Education officials in Marsabit County have seized 17 mobile phones from students sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. The phones were discovered in Moyale and Saku constituencies during routine checks at various exam centers.
According to the Marsabit County Director of Education, nine phones were found in Moyale and eight in Saku. The discovery was made after invigilators and security officers noticed suspicious behavior among some candidates during the morning and afternoon exam sessions
The officers conducted random searches and found that several students had hidden mobile phones in their clothes, socks, and even exam desks. The devices were immediately confiscated and handed over to the police for investigation.
Education authorities say the students were attempting to use the phones to access or share unauthorized materials, an act considered exam malpractice under Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) regulations. KNEC rules strictly prohibit any candidate from entering an examination room with a mobile phone, smartwatch, or any electronic gadget.
The affected candidates have been reported to KNEC for disciplinary action. Officials say those found guilty may have their results cancelled and could face further penalties as per examination laws.
Marsabit County Director of Education emphasized that the crackdown is part of the government’s effort to protect the integrity of national exams. He said all education officers, invigilators, and police officers are under instructions to enforce strict supervision to prevent cheating.
“We will not tolerate any form of exam malpractice. The integrity of KCSE must be protected at all costs,” the official said.
Security has been tightened across all examination centers in the county. Police are stationed in every school to monitor activities and ensure that candidates follow all rules. Examination supervisors have been instructed to conduct thorough body searches and check all bags before each paper begins.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders have been urged to guide students on the importance of honesty and hard work. Authorities say success achieved through cheating does not last and only destroys a student’s future.
This incident in Marsabit County is part of a wider nationwide effort to curb exam irregularities. Every year, KNEC and the Ministry of Education work closely with law enforcement to detect, investigate, and punish any cases of cheating.
The KCSE 2025 exams are ongoing across the country, with over 900,000 candidates sitting for various subjects. So far, the government says the examinations have been largely peaceful and well-organized, with only a few isolated cases of malpractice reported.
Education officials have also warned teachers and school staff against helping students cheat, saying anyone found aiding exam fraud will be arrested and prosecuted.
The government continues to remind students that discipline, preparation, and honesty are the key ingredients to success. Cheating not only leads to disqualification but also damages a student’s reputation and future opportunities.
The Ministry of Education has promised to remain vigilant until the last paper is done, ensuring that every student across Kenya sits for a fair and credible examination.
