University student paid Ksh.20K to sit KCSE exams among 12 arrested on day three

Twelve more people have been arrested over exam malpractices as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams entered its third day.

The arrests were made in Nairobi and Migori counties. Other cases of cheating were recorded in Kisii, Nyamira and West Pokot counties, leading to the arrest of invigilators and supervisors at examination centres.

Security and Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) officers tasked with monitoring and maintaining the integrity of the exams recorded malpractice cases at the Kenya Muslim Academy school in Huruma, Nairobi, Ugari Mixed Sec School in Migori and Itumbe D.O.K Secondary School in Kisii County.

In Nairobi, the officers arrested a university student found impersonating a Form Four candidate sitting the exam.

Preliminary investigations show that the university student, who has since been arrested alongside five invigilators, the centre manager and the supervisor, was paid Ksh.20,000 to impersonate a candidate at the school.

In Migori, two teachers suspected to be Board of Management teachers, a centre manager and a supervisor were arrested over cheating claims.

The arrests came as the ministry moved to reinforce security of exams in the country. This as Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba maintained that the integrity of the continuing exams will not be compromised.

“I continue to warn Kenyans, please allow the students to sit the exams. For instance, there are cases in Nairobi where five or so people were arrested impersonating the student, when we have indicated that this year's papers are individualised with actual photos of students. So when you send someone else, they will be caught,” said the CS.

The assurances notwithstanding, early exposure of the exam in some schools continue to be reported. In Nyamira, police and KNEC officers arrested all invigilators and supervisors stationed at the Itembe D.O.K Secondary School after Chemistry paper two theory exams were found circulating online prior to the exam.

The papers had security features indicating they were destined for the school before they were leaked. All mobile phones at the centre, totalling 11, were also confiscated while those arrested have recorded statements and are aiding police with investigations.

Other cases of malpractice have been reported in West Pokot, Kisii and Nyakach . These cases and arrests add to 27 that have been reported since Monday when the exams started nationwide.