Education Ministry Confirms Arrests Over Fake Exam Papers as 2025 National Assessments Begin
The Ministry of Education has confirmed several arrests following reports of fake national examination papers circulating online, as more than 3.4 million learners across Kenya began their 2025 national assessments on Tuesday.
The tests, overseen by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), will run until November 21, covering candidates in Grade 6, Grade 9, and Form 4 sitting the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) respectively.
342,000 Officials Deployed Nationwide
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the ministry had deployed 342,687 officials, including centre managers, invigilators, supervisors, and security officers, to ensure the examinations remain credible and free from irregularities.
“All registered examination centres have been mapped to the nearest distribution hubs to ensure timely delivery of papers,” Ogamba said. “Centres remain out of bounds to unauthorised persons, and any misconduct will be dealt with firmly.”
Arrests Made Over Circulation of Fake Papers
CS Ogamba confirmed that police had made arrests linked to the circulation of counterfeit papers and said investigations were ongoing.
“We have received credible reports of fake papers being circulated, leading to arrests,” he said. “Members of the public should report such incidents through KNEC’s toll-free hotlines — 0800 721 410 and 0800 724 900.”
He further cautioned the public against purchasing or sharing any materials purporting to be leaked exam papers.
Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms Strengthened
The Ministry also urged vigilance against possible police misconduct, directing that any such cases be reported to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) via 1559.
Ogamba noted that the Ministry is coordinating efforts with the Ministry of Interior, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, and other agencies to secure exam materials and maintain integrity throughout the examination period.
Call for Integrity and Discipline
The CS commended teachers, parents, and school administrators for their cooperation and preparations leading up to the national tests.
“We urge all candidates to uphold honesty and discipline. The credibility of these exams defines our national education standards,” Ogamba said.
With heightened security and tighter coordination, the Ministry expressed confidence that the 2025 national assessments would be conducted smoothly, transparently, and without compromise.