Strict marking awaits KCSE exam cheats

Strict marking awaits candidates in schools where examination irregularities have been reported in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.

Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) disclosed that 10 examiners will be tasked with going through scripts from such centres with the aim of identifying collusion which could lead to cancellation of results.

WARNING

Previously, Knec had indicated that examinations in such centres would be suspended but it rescinded the decision in order not to punish innocent candidates.

Knec chairman Prof George Magoha Friday warned schools against engaging in exam malpractices.

“We had indicated that people were planning to cheat and you can see this now. Teachers are working around the clock to have candidates have access to exam materials,” Prof Magoha said.

He assured candidates that only those involved in cheating will be severely punished.

Prof Magoha said the examination cartel industry runs into billions of shillings and the government is determined to dismantle the ring.

“Those teachers aiding candidates to cheat are products of the past cheating and that is why they seem determined to aid in cheating despite the tough rules,” Prof Magoha said.

He said 10 per cent of the schools that had been put under watch went on to engage in irregularities. “The bold ones in cheating will pay a heavy price.”

Prof Magoha said the council did not name schools which were planning to cheat because it did not want to create panic among candidates.

He disclosed that the council will be going back to deal with early exposure of exam materials, which is proving to be a hard nut to crack.

Those found with mobile phones or other banned materials and those engaging in collusion will be punished.