KNEC warns of fake grade-fixing scam targeting candidates online
By Mustafa Juma, January 2, 2026The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a stern warning to candidates, parents, and the public over a fraudulent grade-fixing scheme circulating on social media, particularly on WhatsApp, targeting anxious KCSE candidates.
In a statement shared through its official X account on Friday, January 2, 2026, KNEC flagged a viral WhatsApp message claiming that candidates could boost their KCSE grades in selected subjects by submitting personal details and contacting alleged agents via WhatsApp.
The message falsely insinuates the involvement of the Ministry of Education and KNEC officials while also exploiting anticipation around the release of the 2025 KCSE results.
The KNEC scam
The scam message requests sensitive information, including a candidate’s school name, official KNEC name, index number, and subjects to be “fixed”, before urging recipients to initiate private contact for the illicit service.
KNEC dismissed the claims as outright fraud and cautioned Kenyans against engaging with individuals or groups promising to alter examination results.
“Beware of scammers,” KNEC stated, sharing a screenshot of the misleading WhatsApp post.
The scam comes at a time when anxiety is high among candidates awaiting the release of KCSE results, a period that fraudsters often exploit.
Altering exam results
KNEC had earlier refuted claims alleging that the council is involved in altering results for the national examinations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the council cautioned the public about an emerging scheme in which individuals are urging parents to contact them for alleged exam result editing services.
KNEC indicated that the fraudsters have been creating WhatsApp groups and channels where they are soliciting money from unsuspecting parents and students under the guise of manipulating scores.
The council clarified that all answer scripts are anonymised throughout the examination process to protect candidates’ identities and uphold the integrity of marking.
”Beware of fraudsters purporting to be able to alter candidates’ scores during the marking of the KCSE examination or KJSEA. Please note that all candidates’ answer scripts are anonymised to protect their identity and ensure integrity during marking,” KNEC warned.