Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Prof. George Magoha has released the findings of an investigation into exam cheating in the 2017 KCSE results, as earlier ordered by Education CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i. The KNEC Chairman revealed that the results of 1205 candidates were cancelled due to exam irregularities, “It’s regrettable that in total 1205 candidates in nine out of ten centres alleged to have been involved in exam irregularities have had their exam results cancelled. Reports of each of the ten schools have been sent to them through their respective principals and County Directors of Education,” said Magoha. He said that the candidates whose results have been cancelled will be allowed to register for this year’s KCSE exams, saying the aim of the Council is not to punish any child, but rather, to transform them.
In a more detailed breakdown, Magoha said the 10 exam centres whose results were withheld were reportedly involved in all or some exam irregularities, including possession of mobile phones and having exam materials. He said nine candidates were found with written unauthorized materials in exam rooms, while collusion during exams was detected whereby candidates produced identical answers in eight exam centres.
Furthermore, he said in two schools alleged to have engaged in exam irregularities, all candidates except one from each school had colluded, “There are few candidates who are on their own,” he said, “The two have received their results while three hundred in the two centres have been cancelled.” He pointed out that more collusion was seen in other exam centres, in three schools, and they have been partially penalized, “The council has released results for 453 candidates and cancelled results for 163 candidates who colluded in the three schools.” However, Prof. Magoha said cases of leakages of exam papers haven’t been witnessed, “The problem of leakages is now in the past,” insisted the KNEC boss.