Education CS warns against malpractices as national exams begin

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education Cabinet Julius Ogamba has issued a strong warning against exam malpractices as the national examinations for both secondary and primary school students officially began this week.

CS Ogamba, speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing on the sidelines of an inspection tour in Kwale County, emphasized that anyone involved in malpractices, regardless of their position, will face legal consequences.

His remarks come as nearly 965,000 candidates prepare to sit for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, while 1.3 million students are set to take the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).

“We are committed to upholding the integrity of the examination process. Don’t be tempted to cheat. We are vigilant, and anyone caught will be arrested and charged in a court of law. The integrity of these exams must be protected at all costs,” CS Ogamba said.

He highlighted that the government is working with a multi-agency team, including security agencies and the ICT sector, to safeguard the credibility of the examinations.

The CS stressed that this collaborative effort is aimed at preventing any form of malpractice and ensuring the exam process remains fair for all candidates.

“The exam system must remain transparent and credible. The future of our students depends on it,” Ogamba said.

Adding that they are determined to ensure that every candidate earns results that reflect their hard work and dedication.

He further added that maintaining the integrity of certificates is crucial for preserving the credibility of the education system and securing the future of students.

“Our education system is underpinned by the integrity of the certificates we award. If the certificates lose value, it undermines the entire system," he said.

The CS also confirmed that all logistical preparations for the national exams had been finalised.

“It is all systems go,” Mr Ogamba said, reassuring parents, students, and other stakeholders that the examinations would run smoothly.

His comments come as the country rolls out the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which he lauded for its potential in developing well-rounded students.

He emphasized that the CBC focuses on more than just academic knowledge, aiming to build discipline and practical skills.

“The CBC will enable our students to develop a 360-degree capacity, encompassing discipline, practical skills, and academic knowledge,” he said.

“This approach will prepare our young people for the challenges of the modern world.”

Mr Ogamba also revealed that the Ministry of Education is making significant strides in its efforts to accommodate Grade 9 students, who will transition to secondary school in 2025 under the CBC framework.

The government is constructing new classrooms across the country to ensure there are enough facilities to accommodate the increased number of students.

The CS was inspecting the progress of the Grade 9 classroom construction project in Kwale County, where he was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Basic Education Belio Kipsang.

Mr Ogamba expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that 3,500 new classrooms have already been completed out of a planned 16,000.

“Many of the contractors are meeting expectations, and the quality of the work justifies the funds allocated for the project. We are confident that the remaining classrooms will be completed before January 2025,” Mr Ogamba said.

Dr Kipsang on his part added that the government was committed to ensuring every child has access to quality education, calling on Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the initiative through constituency development funds. But it is worth noting that NG-CDF was declared unconstitutional.

“We need the support of all stakeholders, including MPs, to ensure we provide adequate learning spaces for our children,” Dr Kipsang said.

Both Ogamba and Kipsang are hopeful that the ongoing infrastructure developments will facilitate a smooth transition to the CBC system, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to benefit from the new curriculum.

As the exams progress, the government’s primary focus remains on ensuring the integrity of the process and the future of Kenya’s education system.