The Ministry of Education has provided an update on the ongoing administration of the 2025 national examinations, reporting major progress in marking, enhanced security measures, and intensified action against malpractice.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Saturday, announced that the marking of the inaugural Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) is fully underway following the successful conclusion of the assessment on November 3.
A total of 11,342 examiners, he said, have reported to 24 designated marking centres across the country.
Machine scoring of the multiple-choice components is progressing steadily, with half of the workload already completed.
"The administration of the KJSEA has moved smoothly into the marking phase, and we appreciate the commitment of all examiners involved,” Ogamba said.
At the same time, the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination has entered its second week, progressing with what the CS described as “minimal cases of malpractice” and commendable professionalism from officers and contracted personnel on the ground.
With one week left to the conclusion of the national exam, Ogamba praised the dedication demonstrated by education officials, centre managers and security teams.
He highlighted an incident in Nyeri Central Sub-County where a police sergeant composed a poem celebrating integrity in the examination process, a gesture the CS said reflected the spirit guiding this year’s administration.
However, the ministry has also noted efforts by a small number of individuals to compromise the credibility of the exams through social media.
Security agencies have arrested 78 suspects linked to the exposure of examination content while tests were in session.
"Evidence-led operations will continue, and more culprits will face the full force of the law,” Ogamba warned.
Additionally, seven cases of impersonation, most involving adult candidates, have been detected.
According to the Kenya National Examinations Act, 2012, those found guilty will have their results cancelled and may be barred from sitting national exams for up to three years.
The CS affirmed that all offenders will be prosecuted.
To safeguard the integrity of the assessments, the ministry has intensified enforcement of strict protocols, including mandatory armed escort for centre managers transporting examination materials, restricted use of official vehicles for exam logistics, and a total ban on mobile phones within examination centres.
Ogamba thanked candidates, teachers, security teams and the public for their role in ensuring a smooth process so far.
He urged continued vigilance and encouraged Kenyans to report any suspicious activities using KNEC’s toll-free numbers 0800721410 and 0800724900. Cases involving police misconduct during the examinations can be reported to IPOA through toll-free line 1559.
