2025 KCSE concludes smoothly as government reports sharp decline in exam cheating cases
Ogamba applauded the commitment of centre managers, supervisors and invigilators who ensured seamless administration across the country.
The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations concluded successfully on Friday, November 21, with the government reporting a significant 31.9 per cent drop in reported cases of malpractice, with only 418 candidates caught this year compared with 614 in 2024.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, speaking at the Nyamira North Sub-County DCC office during the opening of the KNEC examination container, said the smooth completion of the exams reflected Kenya’s continued commitment to integrity, fairness and credibility in national assessments.
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His address coincided with the administration of the final KCSE paper, Physics Practical, marking the official end of the month-long exercise.
Ogamba applauded the commitment of centre managers, supervisors and invigilators who ensured seamless administration across the country.
"For several weeks, centre managers have risen as early as 4 am or 5 am to report to the examination container at 7 am daily to collect examination materials. Supervisors and invigilators have prepared examination rooms each morning to ensure that every learner begins their paper on time and in a conducive environment. Their consistency and discipline have been central to the success of this examination season," said Ogamba.
More than 110,000 personnel drawn from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior and schools were involved in administering the examinations.
He noted that the Ministry ensured all registered candidates sat the examinations, including those hospitalised and willing to participate.
The CS also expressed condolences to the families of candidates who passed away during the examination period, saying the Ministry shared in their loss.
Despite the overall success, Ogamba confirmed that 418 cases of malpractice had been reported. Investigations are underway, and those found culpable will face sanctions under the KNEC Act of 2012.
Penalties include nullification of results, deregistration of examination centres, disqualification of candidates and, in impersonation cases, barring offenders from sitting KCSE until 2027.
"I wish to emphasise that all reported cases will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the KNEC Act, including cancellation of results, barring of candidates from future KNEC examinations and prosecution of all individuals found culpable of abetting examination malpractice," the Cs said.
With the administration phase over, he said attention now shifts to the marking of KCSE papers. A total of 32,558 examiners will undertake marking in 40 centres under strict integrity measures, with examiners from compromised centres excluded.
He further confirmed that the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) marking is ongoing, with results expected by December 11 to enable the Ministry to place learners into Senior School based on their strengths and interests in the three pathways: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Ogamba urged continued vigilance and encouraged the public to report any suspected malpractice through KNEC’s official email and toll-free lines, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the credibility of Kenya’s education system.
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