The government, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, has issued a statement detailing six guidelines designed to safeguard the integrity and security of national examinations in Kenya.
This announcement coincides with the commencement of the Kenya National examinations, which involve more than 3.4 million candidates, as stated by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
The ministry reiterated its dedication to providing equitable assessment opportunities for all learners, asserting, “We are committed to maintaining the integrity and security of our national examinations to ensure that every learner is assessed fairly and has an equal chance to succeed.”
Guidelines to prevent malpractice
Revealing assessment materials – Disclosing exam materials to unauthorized individuals or candidates prior to the examination incurs a penalty of imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine not exceeding two million shillings, or both. This regulation is intended to avert leaks that could undermine the fairness of the examinations.
Malicious damage to assessment materials – Deliberately damaging exam papers or associated materials results in a penalty of imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine not exceeding five million shillings, or both. This measure ensures that all candidates have access to undamaged assessment resources.
Impersonating candidates – Sitting for exams on behalf of another individual is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine not exceeding two million shillings, or both. Furthermore, offenders are barred from participating in national assessments for a duration of three years. This serves to deter fraudulent activities and uphold the credibility of the examination process.
Security of examination centers – The ministry assures the safety and security of all examination venues and participants, providing a controlled environment for fair assessments.
General conduct – All participants are encouraged to maintain proper conduct to avoid disruptions that could lead to exam cancellations or the disqualification of schools. This promotes discipline and the smooth administration of the exams.
Reporting suspicious activity – The public is encouraged to report any irregularities through the Kenya National Examinations Council hotline: “Ukishuku, Ukiskia, Ukiiona, Sema. 0800721410.” This promotes community participation in upholding exam integrity.
Ogamba earlier issued a stern warning against exam malpractice as Kenya prepares for the 2025 national assessments, urging all stakeholders to uphold honesty and fairness.
Speaking during a church fundraiser in Kisii County on October 26, 2025, Ogamba emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward irregularities, noting that 3.4 million students are sitting for the KCSE, KJSEA, and KPSEA examinations this year.
He appealed to teachers, students, parents, and all involved to allow learners to be assessed on their true abilities, warning that any form of cheating undermines students’ futures and could result in severe penalties.
Reporting suspicious activity – The public is encouraged to report any irregularities through the Kenya National Examinations Council hotline: “Ukishuku, Ukiskia, Ukiiona, Sema. 0800721410.” This promotes community participation in upholding exam integrity.
Ogamba earlier issued a stern warning against exam malpractice as Kenya prepares for the 2025 national assessments, urging all stakeholders to uphold honesty and fairness.
Speaking during a church fundraiser in Kisii County on October 26, 2025, Ogamba emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward irregularities, noting that 3.4 million students are sitting for the KCSE, KJSEA, and KPSEA examinations this year.
He appealed to teachers, students, parents, and all involved to allow learners to be assessed on their true abilities, warning that any form of cheating undermines students’ futures and could result in severe penalties.
