KCSE exams end amid security and integrity efforts

Education PS Belio Kipsang at Nakuru East Examination distribution centre on November 11, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] 

This year’s national examination period concludes Friday, with attention now shifting to marking.

The Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) reported that the exams were conducted smoothly, thanks to collaborative efforts ensuring no candidate was disadvantaged.

KNEC administered the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) to 965,501 candidates across 10,565 centers and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) to 1,303,913 candidates in 35,573 centers, bringing the total to 2,279,414 candidates nationwide.

KNEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Njengere said the Council acquired 41 new containers this year, bringing the total to 617 for secure storage and transportation of materials, which was also part of ensuring smooth administration of the exams.

To ensure effective management of the field administration process, KNEC engaged field officers at sub-county level, estimated at 103,125 for KCSE exam and 143,026 for KPSEA, who included field officers from Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), centre managers, supervisors, invigilators, security officers and drivers.

He highlighted key innovations that were aimed at improving the examination process. These included personalised KCSE question papers for each candidate, eliminating the need for candidates to write their details on papers. This measure also ensured that malpractice, such as impersonation, could be traced directly to individual candidates.

“We personalised the exam papers so that each candidate’s details were pre-printed. In case of malpractice, the responsibility lies solely with the candidate,” Dr. Njengere said.,” Dr. Njengere said.

For the first time, no extra question papers were printed to curb misuse, a practice previously exploited for exam malpractice. Morning and afternoon session papers were packed separately to address early exposure challenges

KNEC also strengthened security measures by requiring all personnel involved in exam administration to lock their phones in desks monitored by security officers. Additionally, the Council established a command-and-control center to enhance communication and monitor the conduct of the exams. The Council put in place a Command-and-control centre to enhance communication and monitoring of the conduct of the examination and assessments.

To create a more conducive environment for candidates, the schedule allowed for adequate breaks between morning and afternoon sessions. “Previously, candidates sat for papers back-to-back with minimal breaks. Now, the afternoon session starts at 2 pm., providing enough rest time,” Dr. Njengere noted.

The Council also eliminated the practice of allowing unregistered candidates to sit for exams. Only registered candidates, listed for specific subjects, were permitted to participate.

On exam integrity, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang refuted claims of widespread malpractice, stating that no exam leaks were reported. He clarified that isolated cases of early exposure—where papers were photographed and shared—were mitigated by the personalisation strategy.

Despite the improvements, instances of malpractice persisted, with over 60 teachers accused of aiding cheating during the KCSE exam period. Arrests included 13 teachers in Siaya, seven in Nandi, and eight in Homa Bay for offenses such as photocopying exam materials and sharing content via mobile phones. In Kisii, 19 teachers were suspended from exam duties.

Dr. Njengere reiterated that such behavior undermines the credibility of the education system, urging all stakeholders to uphold integrity.