The government has confirmed that at least 78 individuals have been arrested in connection with attempts to undermine the integrity of the ongoing 2025 national examinations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, on Saturday, November 15, confirmed that the arrests were linked to the exposure of examination content on social media platforms while tests were still in progress, as well as other exam fraud practices.
Ogamba also revealed that further suspects are being pursued and will face prosecution as part of the Ministry's efforts to combat exam malpractice.
“Evidence-led operations will continue, and more offenders will face the full force of the law,” Ogamba stated.
"We have identified a few cases of individuals abusing social media platforms to expose the content of examinations in session. Our security agencies have been swift, and so far, we have arrested 78 individuals. "
The CS further revealed that candidates found engaging in examination malpractice would subsequently be rendered ineligible to take part in national exams for a period not exceeding three years.
The intensified crackdown comes as the government continues to oversee the administration of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams while the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and inaugural Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) have already concluded.
Following the completion of KJSEA, Ogamba confirmed that marking was underway, with a total of 11,342 examiners distributed across 24 marking centres across the country.
While progress in curbing cheating has been made, the government is still grappling with unfortunate incidents, including impersonation cases. During the 2025 assessments, there were seven impersonation cases, which mostly involved adult candidates.
Under the Kenya National Examinations Act of 2012, offenders risk cancellation of results and a ban from sitting the exams. Ogamba also confirmed that such cases are subject to prosecution.
One of the biggest enhancements to curb cheating in this year's assessment has been mandatory armed escorts for centre managers transporting examination materials.
There has also been a strict use of official vehicles for exam logistics, while the ministry imposed a total ban on mobile phones within examination centres.
