Cheating cases reduce in 2024 KCSE exam results
There were 3,669 cases of irregularities recorded in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) examinations, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said.
Releasing the results of the exams, the CS added that out of this, 840 candidates will have their results cancelled, while another 2,829 candidates will also have their results withheld for 30 days pending concluding of investigations.
Ogamba, said the Government is keen on ensuring that integrity of the examination is upheld.
The CS also said that 91 contracted professionals to invigilate exams during the period will also be disciplined for colluding and indulging in cheating. The number of candidates penalised for the exam malpractice is, however, a reduction from 4,000 results that were cancelled in 2023.
He said this year KCSE introduced something called ‘personalisation and anonymising’ – where question papers for each candidate is designed to prevent malpractice by ensuring that each candidate’s exam paper is unique.
Dr Ogamba said the measure would also enhance the security of the exams by anonymising the answer scripts during marking, thereby reducing the chances of malpractice and ensuring fairness in the grading process.
He said what this means is that the examiners will not be able to identify the owner of the script, as it will only contain a signature.
In 2023, the results of more than 4,000 students were withheld over alleged irregularities and cancelled the results of four candidates over impersonation.
In 2023, about 120 contracted professionals were reportedly held for engaging in irregularities but this year the number has reduced to 91.
Early this year, Dr Ogamba assured parents, students, and teachers that KNEC will not cancel entire centers’ national exams if malpractice is detected.
Instead, the CS noted that the examiner will handle cheating cases on an individual basis to ensure that no collateral damages are incurred.
