The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has released a statement outlining six guidelines aimed at protecting the integrity and security of national examinations in Kenya.

The announcement coincides with the start of the Kenya National examinations, which involve over 3.4M candidates according to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.

The ministry emphasised its commitment to fair assessment opportunities for all learners, stating, “We are dedicated to upholding the integrity and security of our national examinations to ensure every learner is assessed fairly and has an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Also watch: KPSEA and KJSEA exams begin smoothly in Kirinyaga County amid tight monitoring.

Guidelines to prevent malpractice

• Revealing assessment materials – Sharing exam materials with unauthorized parties or candidates beforehand attracts an imprisonment penalty of up to 10 years or a fine not exceeding two million shillings or both. This rule aims to prevent leaks that could compromise the fairness of the examinations.

• Malicious damage to assessment materials – Intentionally damaging exam papers or related materials carries an imprisonment penalty of up to 5 years or a fine not exceeding five million shillings or both. This ensures that all candidates have access to intact assessment resources.

• Impersonating candidates – Taking exams on behalf of someone else is an offence liable to imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine not exceeding two million shillings or both. Additionally, offenders are prohibited from taking national assessments for a period of three years. This deters fraudulent activities and protects the credibility of the examination process.

• Security of examination centers – The ministry guarantees the safety and security of all exam venues and participants, ensuring a controlled environment for fair assessments.

• General conduct – All participants are advised to avoid trouble to prevent exam cancellations or disqualification of schools. This encourages discipline and smooth conduct of the exams.

• Reporting suspicious activity – The public is encouraged to report any irregularities through the Kenya National Examinations Council hotline: “Ukishuku, Ukiskia, Ukiiona, Sema. 0800721410.” This promotes community participation in upholding exam integrity.

Ogamba ealier, issued a stern warning against exam malpractice as Kenya prepares for the 2025 national assessments, urging all stakeholders to uphold honesty and fairness.

Speaking during a church fundraiser in Kisii County on October 26, 2025, Ogamba emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward irregularities, noting that 3.4 million students are sitting for the KCSE, KJSEA, and KPSEA examinations this year.

He appealed to teachers, students, parents, and all involved to allow learners to be assessed on their true abilities, warning that any form of cheating undermines students’ futures and could result in severe penalties.