The Ministry of Education has issued a detailed update on the ongoing national examinations, highlighting major progress in the marking of the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and strengthened efforts to curb exam malpractice during the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that marking for the inaugural KJSEA is fully underway after the successful completion of the assessment on November 3. According to the CS, 11,342 examiners have already reported to 24 marking centres across the country. Machine scoring of the multiple-choice papers is progressing steadily, with half of the tasks already completed.
Ogamba praised the commitment and professionalism of examiners, noting that the transition from administration to marking has been smooth and efficient.
Meanwhile, the KCSE examination has entered its second week and is expected to conclude soon. The CS reported that the process has so far recorded minimal malpractice cases, crediting centre managers, teachers, and security officers for their dedication.
He cited a unique incident in Nyeri Central Sub-County where a police sergeant wrote a poem celebrating examination integrity—an act Ogamba said captured the spirit of this year’s administration.
Despite these positive developments, the ministry has raised concerns over attempts to leak exam materials through social media. Security agencies have arrested 78 suspects linked to sharing exam content while sessions were in progress. Additionally, seven cases of impersonation—mostly involving adult candidates—have been detected.
Ogamba reminded the public that offenders face prosecution under the Kenya National Examinations Act, 2012, including cancellation of results and possible bans from future exams.
To safeguard the process, the ministry has intensified security protocols, including armed escorts for centre managers transporting exam materials, restrictions on official vehicle use, and a complete ban on mobile phones in exam centres.
He urged continued vigilance and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities via KNEC’s toll-free lines 0800721410 and 0800724900, or report police misconduct to IPOA through 1559.
