KNEC (Kenya National Examination Council) chairman Prof. George Magoha has revealed that the KCSE 2018 results of 3,427 candidates in 44 exam centres have been cancelled due to exam malpractices. This comes after thorough investigations were done by the council and continued even after the release of the exam results, as some of the results were withheld. Speaking to the press at KNEC headquarters, Magoha said the Council applied international based practices in identification of collusion in the exams by, including noting identical errors in calculations, correct responses after incorrect working, identical wording often with identical unusual grammar or vocabulary among groups of candidates, numerous identical corrections by a group of candidates, and a group of candidates having identical readings to those of their teachers in Science practicals among others. “The Council, therefore, has made the painful but necessary decision to cancel the results of these candidates,” he affirmed.
He encouraged all the students whose results were cancelled to register for this year’s exams before the registration deadline on 15th February. However, he said that 1,275 candidates from nine exam centres whose results were also under investigation have been cleared and they will receive them. He revealed that the exam malpractices happened due to negligence by officials including teachers, exam centre managers among others, not solely the students. Of the 47 Counties countrywide, Magoha said 16 were affected by exam malpractices, and they include, Machakos, Meru, Isiolo, Turkana, West Pokot, Kericho, Narok, Elgeyo Marakwet, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, Homa Bay, Migori, Garissa, Mandera. “I want to commend on behalf of the council and the country the 31 Counties that this time around were free of irregularities,” he said.