Govt announces strict measures to curb cheating

The national government has adopted a multi-sectoral approach with stringent measures to curb cheating in the 2016 KCPE and KCSE examinations administration.

Through the Ministry of Education, Interior and Coordination of National Government and Information Communications and Technology, the government says it is committed to ensure that the examination process from the registration of candidates to issuance of certificates is conducted in the best environment possible.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who spoke in a joint press briefing with Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery and ICT CS Joe Mucheru, said that they are committed to restoring the credibility and integrity in the examination system.

“We have come from a very challenging background but I assure the public we will deliver clean exams this year. The Kenya National Examinations Council has been has been supported sufficiently towards the course,” said Matiang’i.

He noted that they have agreed with the TSC that only school heads and the teachers handling the practical examinations will be allowed in school when candidates are sitting the exams.

Dr Matiang’ revealed there will be no use of cell phones within the premises of the examinations either by the invigilators, supervisors or candidates, also noting that all exams will start at the scheduled time country wide.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery reiterated that various security measures have been put in place to eliminate exam cheating.

Nkaissery said that the move would help the nation compete globally on education standards.

“We have engaged county commissioners, regional commissioners, and the police among other security teams. We have agreed on the way forward on how to secure and make sure that by the time exams reach examination centers they are secure up to when the student is receiving exam papers,” noted Nkaissery.

The CS observed that other than ensuring credibility of the exams, his ministry is mapping out the security of the nation to ensure the 2017 elections are credible safe.

The CS was speaking during the opening of annual county security teams retreat at the Kenya school of Adventure in Marania area of Buuri sub county in Meru County.

Speaking at the same time, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said that Technology would be applied in management of the examinations.

“We have installed CCTV cameras in the examination centers to manage the exams even up to the marking. This will ensure that our children do the exams in a free and fair,” said the CS.

On his Part, KNEC Chairman Prof George Maghoha said that the council has strengthened systems to ensure that the 2016 exams don’t leak.

“Some of the measures we have put in place are operational and we see the light will continue glowing. I urge the public to support us to deliver so that we regain our national value,” said the chairman.

Others who were present at the event were Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet, Education PS Billio Kipsang and Interior PS Karanja Kibicho among others.