In a bold move to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi has urged the courts to expedite the trials of individuals implicated in examination irregularities. The CS, who has been touring various parts of the country to assess the progress of the exams, emphasized that slow prosecution of suspects is fostering an environment that encourages examination malpractices.
Migosi, who assumed office in August following the reconstitution of President William Ruto’s Cabinet, expressed concern over the delays in handling cases involving suspected exam cheats, particularly those involved in the circulation of fake examination papers. He stated that such delays not only undermine the fight against corruption but also fail to act as an effective deterrent for potential wrongdoers.
“We want to appeal to the courts to expeditiously dispense of cases involving KCSE suspects so that the guilty can face the music, serving as a deterrent for others with such ill intentions,” said Migosi. He added that the slow pace of legal proceedings was inadvertently allowing examination-related crimes to thrive, as suspects continue to engage in fraudulent activities without facing swift consequences.
This year’s KCSE exams, which are currently underway, have seen a multi-agency effort by the government to ensure that the process is free from irregularities. Migosi was keen to stress that, despite the reports of fraudulent activities, the integrity of the exams has not been compromised. “There has been no leakage of KCSE exams this year,” he affirmed, crediting the foolproof security measures adopted by the government. He attributed the ongoing reports of fake exam papers being circulated to individuals attempting to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
While acknowledging the isolated incidents of fraud, Migosi emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the security of the national examinations. He stated that the National Examinations Council (NEC) is working closely with security agencies to tackle these issues and ensure that only legitimate exam materials are in circulation. The CS further pointed out that arrests made over the past weeks had involved individuals selling counterfeit examination papers, which were being marketed as legitimate.
“We have put in place stringent measures that have guaranteed the safety and security of national examinations across the country. The government is dealing with isolated cases of people with fake examination papers which they are claiming to be genuine,” Migosi said, reiterating the importance of swift action to ensure these fraudulent actors are brought to justice.
Migosi’s statements come after a series of security measures, including the deployment of a multi-agency team, have been put in place to oversee the safe administration of the KCSE exams. This approach includes regular inspections of the security containers holding examination papers at Sub County headquarters across the country. Government officials, led by Migosi, have been actively involved in monitoring the opening and distribution of exam papers to ensure that the entire process is transparent and secure.
In addition to his calls for swift legal action, Migosi also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the exams. The government’s stance is clear: anyone caught attempting to undermine the exams through fraudulent means will face the full force of the law.
This year’s KCSE examinations mark Migosi’s first time overseeing the process since taking office. His predecessor, Ezekiel Machogu, had been responsible for the administration of national exams prior to his Cabinet reshuffle. Since assuming his new role, Migosi has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that the exams are conducted with the highest level of integrity, vowing to take a firm stance against those who would seek to exploit the education system for personal gain.
As the exams continue, the government remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure that the KCSE process is free from irregularities. The Education CS’s calls for expedited trials reflect a determined approach to uphold the standards of the education system and protect the future of Kenyan students.
