NAIROBI, KENYA – Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba issued a stern warning against examination malpractice on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, after confirming the arrest of at least five individuals for impersonating candidates in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. The arrests, which took place in Nairobi and other undisclosed regions, have cast a spotlight on the persistent challenges threatening the integrity of the nation's high-stakes academic assessments.

Speaking to the press at the Dagoretti Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner’s office while supervising the morning distribution of examination materials, CS Ogamba condemned the incidents as a “foolish act” that undermines the efforts of honest students and compromises the national certification system. “It is regrettable that a few individuals have attempted to engage in examination malpractice despite repeated warnings,” Ogamba stated. “We will deal firmly with all offenders. Those found impersonating candidates or aiding such acts will be prosecuted without exception.”

The suspects were apprehended after security officers and examination officials detected irregularities during the candidate identification process. Investigators believe the impersonators may be part of a wider, coordinated network aiming to infiltrate examination centers on behalf of registered candidates. These incidents occurred just days after the Ministry of Education disclosed that 19 people, including exam centre managers and university students, had been arrested for various forms of cheating in counties such as Siaya, Samburu, and Kericho.

A Threat to Educational Credibility

The issue of examination malpractice is a significant concern for Kenya, where performance in the KCSE is a critical determinant of a student's future academic and career path. The credibility of the KCSE certificate is vital for both local university admissions and international recognition. Officials from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) have reiterated that such fraudulent activities not only violate regulations but also damage the reputation of Kenya's entire education system.

In response to these challenges, the government has implemented several advanced security measures for the 2025 examinations. CS Ogamba highlighted that this year's examination scripts are personalized with the candidate's photograph, name, and index number, a feature designed specifically to thwart impersonation. “When we've indicated very clearly that this year's examination scripts are individualized...it makes it a foolish act to attempt impersonation,” he remarked. This follows KNEC's broader strategy to hold individuals accountable for malpractice, rather than penalizing an entire school or examination center, a practice that was common in the past.

A multi-agency security team has been deployed nationwide to oversee the entire examination process, from the opening of containers to the collection of scripts, ensuring a secure and transparent administration. More than 900,000 candidates are sitting for this year's KCSE exams.

Legal Ramifications and Deterrence

Under the Kenya National Examinations Council Act, individuals found guilty of examination malpractice, including impersonation, face severe penalties. These can include imprisonment for up to ten years or a fine of up to KES 2 million. Teachers and officials implicated in such schemes face immediate deregistration and criminal charges in addition to jail time.

CS Ogamba announced that the Ministry will provide a public report every Friday detailing the number of arrests made, the locations, and the legal actions being taken against the culprits. This move is intended to enhance transparency and serve as a public deterrent. “I've had all these culprits arrested, and they'll be appearing in court, and criminal legal action is being taken against them,” he affirmed.

The recent arrests include university students hired to sit exams for candidates. In one documented case in Nairobi, two candidates allegedly paid impersonators KES 30,000 and KES 20,000 respectively. These incidents highlight the organized nature of the cheating rings and the financial incentives driving them. As the KCSE examinations continue, the Ministry of Education and security agencies remain on high alert to safeguard the process and ensure that the final results reflect the true, honest efforts of the candidates.