315 Schools On The Spot As KNEC Determined To Curb Exam Cheating

As Kenyan candidates in primary and Secondary schools prepare to start writing their national exams, it has been revealed that 315 schools plan to indulge in exam cheating.

Out of the 315 schools, 190 of them are primary schools while 125 are secondary schools spread across 31 counties in the country.

Ironically while there are tough consequences for exam cheating, it is some officials from the ministry of education and others from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) together with parents and teachers that have been caught up in this vice.

The Kenya National Examination Council (Knec), after its investigations, has put the primary and secondary schools involved under scrutiny.

The 31 counties on the spot include, Nairobi, Garissa, Migori, Kakamega, Vihiga, Kisumu, Kisii, Homa Bay, Wajir, Mandera, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Kitui, Embu, Narok, Elgeyo Marakwet, Siaya, Nyamira, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Machakos, Meru, Marsabit, Isiolo, Makueni, Turkana, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Nandi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Baringo, Busia, and Bungoma.

Garissa recorded the highest number of schools put under tight scrutiny with 22 secondary schools and 19 primary schools.

Wajir County, West Pokot County, Nairobi and Mandera counties followed closely with a total of 34 and 14 schools, and 11 schools for Nairobi and Mandera.

KNEC’s secret investigation on the exam cheating matters revealed five ways through which the cheating was to take place this year.

KNEC reports also revealed that the regional officials from the ministry of education and those from the TSC that are involved in the plan had vowed to retain examination officers in the same invigilation stations they were at the previous year.

Parents are said to have paid up to 5,000 shillings per candidate to facilitate the buying of examination materials.

KNEC has confirmed that the council is on the lookout for any mischievous actions by schools, parents, candidates and even officials.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Dr. George Magoha has insisted that it will not be a walk in the park for individuals involved in exam cheating as action will be taken.

“I have cautioned parents and teachers against falling prey to urges of getting involved in exam cheating and I will repeat. If anyone thinks that they will cheat because I’m no longer Knec chairperson, tell them that I’m now in charge of the ministry and I’m monitoring everything,” said Dr. Magoha.

This year, 1.8 million candidates have been presented to sit for the national exams. 1.09 million candidates will sit for KCPE while 700,000 will sit for KCSE.

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