Eight KCSE candidates found with mobile phones in examination rooms

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has confirmed that eight candidates were found with mobile phones in examination rooms.

Addressing the media today, Magoha said 15 cell phones were also confiscated.

“The phones were confiscated from various centres and are with the authorities as investigations continue. We want to find out what are in the phones,” he said.

In Busia, police have arrested two KCSE candidates and a university student over suspected cheating in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

According to Busia Sub-County DCI Bernard Wamalwa, they were found in possession of smartphones that reportedly contained questions and answers to English Paper 3 and Chemistry Paper 2.

Explaining the ‘early exposure’ concept,  Magoha said some officials open the papers minutes before the exam start time, give the questions to teachers who in turn share them with the candidates.

“Unprofessional examination officials expose the exams a little earlier than the scheduled time. The questions are then shared to the targeted candidates just before the examinations start,”  Magoha said.

Magoha further warned parents against buying fake papers that are circulating in the market.

“There are people selling fake papers. Parents, do not be duped to buy these papers. There is no exam that has leaked,” he said.

But he noted that the examination process went on well adding that all elaborate guidelines have been followed.

He also confirmed that 15 people have been arrested for assisting in cheating during the ongoing K.C.S.E exams.

A university student from Busia and a businessman from Kericho who was selling fake exam papers are among those detained by police.

Some of those arrested have already been arraigned in court for various charges relating to examination malpractices.

The KCSE started last week on Friday and is expected to end on April 21.