Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has warned parents and learners against paying people who claim to have access to national examination papers before they are administered.
Ogamba said such claims were fraudulent, urging the public to be cautious as Grade Six and Grade Nine learners began the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) on Monday, October 26.
Speaking in Makueni County while overseeing the distribution of examination papers at Kiambani Comprehensive School, the CS said the government had put measures in place to prevent the papers from leaking.
He cautioned parents against individuals who promise to provide examination papers in exchange for money.
“I particularly caution parents, candidates and members of the public against individuals who claim to have access to examination papers and demand money in exchange for purported advanced access. Such claims are fraudulent,” Ogamba said.
He urged anyone with information about people selling fake examination papers to report them to the relevant authorities.
Government warns against examination malpractice
Ogamba also warned that anyone found involved in examination malpractice would face action, including examination officials entrusted with handling the papers.
He called on centre managers, supervisors and invigilators to follow the rules and ensure the assessments are conducted fairly.
“Let me reiterate that the government will not tolerate any examination malpractice in any form or manner,” he said.
The CS added that all officials involved in administering the examinations must carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism.
His warning comes as thousands of learners sit the two assessments, with fraudsters seeking to take advantage of parents and candidates hoping to obtain examination papers in advance.
How the first papers were scheduled
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), KPSEA candidates began the day with Mathematics before sitting an English language paper later in the morning, following a 30-minute break.
KJSEA candidates started with English language and were scheduled to sit English composition during the mid-morning session, also after a break.
The government has also coordinated with the Ministry of Interior, KNEC and other agencies to prepare for challenges during the examination period, including heavy rainfall, flooding, insecurity and difficult terrain.
The arrangements are intended to help ensure examination materials reach centres and that the assessments proceed despite the challenges.