Over 400 students, whose 2021 KCSE results were withheld over examination irregularities, will know their fate in May 2022, according to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
The candidates from Oriwo High School in Homa Bay County were barred from accessing their results on KNEC's website and via SMS.
KNEC CEO, David Njeng’ere, stated that investigations into exam malpractices at the school will be completed in 30 days. The council will then forward a preliminary report to Education CS, George Magoha.
Njeng’ere wrote a letter to the school’s principal, Maurice Akal, stating that the results will be withheld until the investigations are completed.
"The results of all candidates at Oriwo Boys High School, centre code 41731303 have been withheld on suspicion that they may have engaged in examination irregularities during the conduct of the 2021 KCSE Examination," the letter read in part.
“This is done to allow for completion of investigations on the exercise of the powers on the handling of examination irregularities” the letter further explained.
The school had over 500 registered candidates but only 441 sat for the examination.
Akal was directed to communicate to the affected candidates on the update and progress of the matter.
While announcing the results on Saturday, April 23, Magoha affirmed that persons caught engaging in examination malpractices were dealt with as per the law.
"There were 441 cases reported in the 2021 KCSE Examination and one case of a centre with all the results withheld.
"I wish to categorically state that KNEC will not have any mercy on examination offenders who must be dealt with decisively. Consequently, the examination results of all the 441 cases have been cancelled," Magoha declared.
He also explained that ahead of the 2021 KCSE, the government heightened measures meant to pre-empt any forms of cheating through the combined efforts of all the members of a Multi-Agency Team.
The result of this enhanced 50 vigilance, Magoha stated, was that nearly all the cases of cheating that would have occurred were prevented.
"Many mobile phones that would have been used to relay preexposed examination materials were confiscated before they could be used.
"I urge all stakeholders to support sustained Government efforts to end examination irregularities," he pleaded.
He also called upon the media, in the spirit of responsible journalism, to ensure accuracy, fairness, objectivity and the discipline of strict verification before reporting on cases of examination malpractices.
