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KCSE 2025: 418 candidates flagged for cheating as 32,000 examiners set to begin marking
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba speaks in Mombasa on November 12, 2025 during the Kenya Primary School Heads Association Annual Delegates Conference.
A total of 418 candidates were reported to have engaged in examination malpractices during the administration of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination, which ended on Friday.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the number was lower compared to 614 candidates in 2024, but investigations are ongoing and any individuals or institutions found culpable will face the full force of the law under the KNEC Act of 2012.
He said 32,558 examiners will undertake marking in 40 centres, with strict integrity checks in place.
“Examiners from compromised centres have been disqualified from participation to maintain credibility,” Mr Ogamba noted, adding that as the ministry transitions to the marking phase, it will ensure that fairness prevails.
He further said that the marking of the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) is ongoing and that all efforts are being made to ensure results are released by 11th December 2025.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said teachers, exam officials, or other personnel found complicit in examination malpractice risk dismissal, loss of professional credentials, and criminal charges.
“This will enable the ministry to conduct placement of learners into Senior School based on their strengths and interests in the three pathways: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” he said, adding that early release will also allow parents to prepare adequately for admissions before the festive season.
According to the KNEC Act of 2012, measures taken against those found guilty of examination malpractices include deregistration of examination centres, nullification of results, disqualification of candidates, and criminal prosecution where necessary.
The CS spoke in Nyamira County on Friday morning after opening the exams container at the Nyamira North Sub-County headquarters and later visiting Kebabe Girls in Ekerenyo.
Friday marks the last day of the 2025 series of assessments and examinations at the basic education level in Kenya. This is the third last KCSE exam, set to end in 2027, following the introduction of the Competence-Based Education (CBE).
An invigilator collects English Paper One answer sheets from KCSE candidates at Nakuru High School on November 4, 2024.
“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold the integrity, fairness, and credibility of our national examination system. As the last KCSE paper, Physics Practical, is administered this morning, we recognise the resilience and determination demonstrated by candidates and all stakeholders across the Republic,” said Mr Ogamba.
Tougher rules
The CS warned that impersonation cases will attract severe sanctions, including barring candidates from sitting KCSE until 2027.
“I wish to emphasise that all reported cases will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken in accordance with the KNEC Act, including cancellation of results, barring of candidates from future KNEC examinations, and prosecution of all individuals found culpable of abetting examination malpractice,” Mr Ogamba cautioned.
The top official in the education docket recognised the resilience and determination demonstrated by candidates and all stakeholders across the country.
“For several weeks, centre managers have risen as early as 4am or 5am to report to the examination container at 7am daily to collect examination materials. Supervisors and invigilators have prepared examination rooms each morning to ensure that every learner began their paper on time and in a conducive environment. Their consistency and discipline have been central to the success of this examination season,” he noted.
Mr Ogamba explained that the administration of KCSE examinations proceeded seamlessly over the past four weeks, noting that this achievement is the result of meticulous planning and the dedication of over 110,000 personnel, including teachers serving as centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators, as well as officers from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
“Their vigilance ensured strict adherence to procedures and security protocols. To all these officers, we extend our profound gratitude for your patriotism and sacrifice in safeguarding the future of our learners,” he said, noting that efforts were made to ensure that every registered candidate sat the examinations, including those who were hospitalised and willing to participate.
Education CS Julius Ogamba at the Kenya Primary School Heads Association summit in Mombasa.
“We commend the resilience of these candidates. Sadly, we lost some candidates during this period. To the families of the deceased learners, we convey our deepest condolences and stand with you in this time of grief. Your loss is our loss, and we honour the memory of these young lives,” he regretted.
He said that even though KCSE has concluded, examination distribution centres will remain active as the November series of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) examinations are ongoing.
A total of 15,266 candidates are sitting Business examinations and 38,959 candidates are sitting Technical examinations in 752 TVET institutions across the country. These examinations commenced on 17th November and will conclude on 5th December 2025.
“The ministry assures all TVET candidates that the same integrity and fairness applied to KCSE examinations will govern these examinations,” the CS promised.
He reminded candidates, parents, and the public that vigilance does not end with the examinations.
“If you have information on malpractice or collusion, report it confidentially to KNEC. Every report will be treated with the utmost seriousness to protect the sanctity of our certification,” he said.
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