Ten under probe as attempts to leak KCPE exam foiled

Ten people involved in managing the just-concluded KCPE exam are under investigation for engaging in activities that could have led to cheating.

The national test came to a close on Thursday. The Ministry of Education and security agencies are treating questionable incidents in three schools Nyandarua, West Pokot and Garissa counties as attempted malpractices.

Details of the suspects, including their names and the schools they were posted, remain scant, but among them are eight examination officials.

The Teachers Service Commission and security officers are investigating. On Thursday, however, Education CS George Magoha said the suspected interference did not lead to any leakage of the exam.

“There were challenges in three centres over attempted examination malpractices in Nyandarua, West Pokot and Garissa. However, action was taken before any cheating happened. I’m happy the TSC has already taken action,” Magoha said.

He spoke at Ayany Primary School in Kibera, Nairobi, soon after candidates sat the last paper — Social Studies and Religious Education.

Before the start of the exam, TSC chief executive officer Nancy Macharia cautioned that those found abetting cheating would be stripped of their responsibilities.

Last year, 19 teachers were sacked by the commission for engaging in exam malpractice. The Star was unable to get an update on the matter.

Magoha said the exam faced hurdles on the first and second days after 20 centres failed to get materials on time. He blamed the delays on inadequate helicopters.

“A few choppers had to make countrywide trips and ensure the delivery did not compromise the integrity of the examinations,” Magoha said.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Secretary noted that cases of early pregnancy had significantly reduced in this year. Daily reports filed to the ministry indicate less than 10 girls were either pregnant or gave birth during the exam.

Last year, more than 100 cases of pregnancy among KCPE candidates were reported. This prompted a public outcry, with human rights activists citing sexual exploitation of minors. 

The end of the KCPE exam now shifts focus on the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exam and the marking exercise, both set to begin next week.

The KCPE exam will be scrapped in three years to pave the way for tests under the competence-based curriculum, which was rolled out this year in lower classes.

(Edited by F'Orieny)