CS Magoha issues warning after two candidates found with cellphones
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has issued a stun warning over exam cheating after two students writing their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams were caught with mobile phones.
While overseeing the exercise in Mombasa, Magoha said the two cases were reported in Nairobi.
He further warned teachers and supervisors of serious consequences should they be found leaking the national examinations.
“We have not had any serious incident. We dismantled the cartels in primary school exams. We have noticed that they have formed another one. This morning we have two cases of students with cellphones. We shall allow them to take the exams but I want to send a warning any teacher who feels brave enough and opens the exam papers beforehand – we shall come for you,” Magoha warned.
Over 800,000 students begin their 2021 KCSE theory examinations today until April 1. The examination, which will be administered in 10,413 centres, will see candidates sit the English Paper One then Chemistry Paper One.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere has assured that all is set for the 2021 Form Four examinations and when the exams end on April 1, there will be three more national papers to deliver this year.
“We will continue with a multi-agency approach. We have mapped out all parts of the country and therefore, we are all set,” said Njengere.
He further noted that the containers will be opened at 6am for KCSE since the official start time of the exam is 8am.
“We are at a very crucial time when administering KCSE and also processing KCPE examination; and we are progressing well,” he said.
Last week during the KCPE exam, three cases of early exposure were detected and the centre managers were apprehended.
“With KCSE, the government is on high alert because the stakes could be higher. There are those who will want to do the same in the next exam – they are welcome to do so, so that we can meet them. We are ready for them,” he warned.
According to Magoha, the government has means of knowing the points where the papers are being tampered with and so he urged teachers to stop confusing candidates.
