CS Ogamba warns against cheating in the national exams
By Faith Lagat, October 26, 2025Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has issued a stern warning against exam malpractice as the country prepares for the 2025 national assessments.
Speaking during a church fundraiser in Kisii County on October 26, 2025, Ogamba emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward examination irregularities, urging all stakeholders to uphold honesty and fairness as millions of learners begin their tests.
3.4M students set for national exams
Ogamba announced that a total of 3.4 million students are sitting for the KCSE, KJSEA, and KPSEA examinations this year. “Candidates wote wa KCSE, KJSEA, KPSEA are 3.4 million students sitting for exams in Kenya this year,” he said, noting the scale of the national exercise.
The Cabinet Secretary appealed for integrity among all participants in the process. “I would like to urge teachers, students, parents, and all stakeholders tafadhali msikubali kufanya maneno ya malpractice na guidelines for kwa exams starting tomorrow, let them do the exams because they have been prepared na ile grade mtoto receives ndio yake,” he stated, insisting that every student’s performance should reflect their true effort and ability.
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Upholding integrity and accountability
Ogamba highlighted the long-term consequences of compromising exam integrity. “Zile grade mtoto atapata, isi kama serikali tutapangia huyo mtoto kitu anaweza fanya kama tertiary institutions akue productive in life,” he said, explaining that examination results play a critical role in determining a learner’s academic and professional future.
He cautioned against any form of cheating or collusion, warning of severe penalties. “Mkifanya malpractice mtakuwa mnaharibia watoto maisha, ukipatikana utafungwa, so let’s be vigilant and report any malpractices,” Ogamba warned, calling on the public and education officers to report suspicious activities promptly.
His remarks underscore the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the credibility of national assessments and maintain public trust in Kenya’s education system.
KNEC issues strict examination protocols
The warning comes as the 2025 KPSEA and KJSEA exams are set to begin on Monday, October 27, 2025, with the KCSE entering its second week. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has reinforced strict operational protocols to safeguard the examination process.
In a post dated October 26, 2025, KNEC reminded field officers: “Containers to be opened at 6 am for KPSEA and KJSEA and 7 am for KCSE.” It further directed that “Mobile phones of all personnel in the centre to be locked up and the key kept by the supervisor,” and emphasized that “All centre managers must have the approved list of persons in the centre who must have national ID cards for identification.” Supervisors are also required to “ensure they open the right packet for the right session.”
KNEC extended its best wishes to all candidates, stating its commitment to a fair and smooth examination process.