- At the onset of the examinations, the government led by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba was determined to ensure that the KCSE examination would remain rigorous and reflective of global standards. However, this year's examinations were faced with numerous exam malpractices. Technological gadgets like mobile phones stood out to be a significant propagator of cheating in 2024. Social media platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp have been used to leak the exam.
National Examinations are regarded as one of the most defining milestones in the academic journey of Kenyan students. In 2024, 965000 candidates sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams amid educational reforms that tested their resilience and adaptability.
The education sector continued with the transition into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes practical skills alongside academic performance. With the 2024 candidates falling under the 8-4-4 education system, CBC's implementation indirectly affected their preparation. Candidates had divided attention from teachers, as they had to balance between preparing students for exams and mastering CBC's new demands.
At the onset of the examinations, the government led by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba was determined to ensure that the KCSE examination would remain rigorous and reflective of global standards. However, this year's examinations were faced with numerous exam malpractices. Technological gadgets like mobile phones stood out to be a significant propagator of cheating in 2024. Social media platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp have been used to leak the exam.
The recent case was that of Collins Kipchumba Kemboi, a 23-year-old man arrested for distributing papers believed to be those of ongoing examinations via WhatsApp and Telegram. Teachers have also been witnessed to be the weakest link in exam fraud
Over 70 teachers have been arrested for aiding in exam cheating.
In response to this, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS)Julius Migos Ogamba highlighted that there have been no cheating cases. Instead, what has been happening is early exposure of the papers in several examination centres. He also stated that legal action has been taken against the suspects, adding that the culprits, once convicted, risk losing their jobs in the education sector.
With the clock ticking towards the end of the exams and the commencement of the marking process, questions are being raised concerning the credibility of the results from this year's exams.
