A New Era of Exam Integrity

As the 2025 national examinations season gets into full swing, the Kenyan government has launched its most technologically advanced campaign yet to combat the perennial issue of exam cheating. With approximately 3.4 million learners sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), and the inaugural Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), the stakes for national educational integrity have never been higher. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba's office has confirmed a multi-agency strategy focused on eliminating loopholes that have previously led to leaks and malpractice. “We have assembled a multisectoral team that is working around the clock to ensure the exam is administered professionally by eliminating opportunities for those who may want to indulge in cheating and other malpractices,” stated Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

High-Tech Arsenal Unveiled

At the heart of the new measures is the deployment of technology to secure examination materials. For the first time, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is piloting smart digital padlocks on 250 examination storage containers across the country. Speaking at the official launch of the examination season on Monday, October 27, 2025, CS Ogamba explained that these locks are linked to a central KNEC command centre, allowing for real-time monitoring of when each container is opened and closed. In another significant move to deter impersonation, KNEC has introduced personalized question papers for KCSE and KJSEA candidates. Each paper is printed with the candidate's name and a unique random number, making it nearly impossible for impostors to sit exams on behalf of others. “This innovation promotes fairness, transparency, and integrity in the marking process,” said KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere.

Strict Protocols for Personnel

The Ministry of Education has also enforced stringent rules for all 342,687 contracted professionals involved in administering the exams, including centre managers, supervisors, and security officers. A strict no-phone policy has been implemented, requiring all personnel to surrender their mobile devices upon receiving exam papers. This is a direct response to intelligence showing that social media platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp have become key channels for leaking exam content. KNEC's August 2025 monitoring report revealed that 51 Telegram and WhatsApp channels were flagged for suspicious activity, with authorities arresting 123 teachers and 10 students over pre-exam irregularities in 2024 and 2025. To further minimize collusion, KNEC has also barred secondary school teachers from invigilating the KCSE exams, instead deploying primary school teachers to oversee the process.

The Enduring Challenge and Stiff Penalties

Exam malpractice remains a deeply rooted issue, extending from secondary schools to universities. A 2024 report from the Commission for University Education (CUE) revealed that exam irregularities accounted for a staggering 87.27% of all student disciplinary cases, threatening the credibility of Kenyan degrees. This culture of cheating, if left unchecked, risks producing a workforce that is not skilled enough for the job market, thereby impacting national economic development. To combat this, the government is enforcing severe penalties under the KNEC Act. Anyone caught with unauthorized access to exam materials faces imprisonment for up to ten years or a fine of up to KSh 2 million, or both. Impersonating a candidate carries a penalty of up to two years in jail or a KSh 2 million fine. Furthermore, if widespread irregularities are detected at a centre, KNEC has the authority to cancel the results for the entire centre. CS Ogamba issued a stern warning, stating that anyone found engaging in cheating will face immediate arrest and prosecution. “The candidates have been well prepared for the examinations, and I urge parents and guardians to report any examination malpractices in their localities so that culprits can face the law,” he stated. The 2025 KCSE exams, which began with practical papers on October 21, will conclude on November 21. The KPSEA and KJSEA exams commenced on Monday, October 27, 2025. The successful and credible administration of these assessments is viewed as a critical test of Kenya's commitment to upholding its educational standards for future generations.