Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned teachers, parents and other individuals against engaging in examination malpractice, saying those caught attempting to compromise the integrity of national examinations will face arrest.
Omollo said security agencies were on high alert to prevent examination papers from being stolen, leaked or accessed illegally as candidates prepare to start their national examinations.
He cautioned parents and teachers against falling prey to individuals demanding money in exchange for promises to obtain examination papers, saying such schemes could destroy learners' futures as well as the careers of those involved.
“Do not fall into the trap of people who want to make quick money by lying to you that they can steal examination papers for you. When you do that, you are not just ruining the lives of our children, but also your own life as a parent and as a professional teacher,” he said.
Omollo said the government had invested heavily in education, including recruiting additional teachers and would not allow examination fraud to undermine the country's education system.
He said the government was committed to protecting the integrity of the examinations, warning that anyone seeking to take advantage of candidates would be dealt with by law enforcement agencies.
“We cannot cheat or play games with the lives of our children and the future of this country,” he said.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Onesmus Musyoki Kyatha said the examinations would run for 20 days from Monday, urging parents, teachers and other stakeholders to allow candidates to sit their papers without interference.
He warned individuals accustomed to engaging in examination irregularities against attempting to do so, saying security agencies were monitoring activities both on the ground and on social media.
“We are watching, and we are also monitoring what is happening on social media. Do not attempt to engage in such activities. Let our children undertake their examinations professionally,” he said.
Kyatha said candidates had spent four years preparing in class and should be allowed to demonstrate their knowledge without assistance from teachers, parents or other individuals.
He warned that anyone found attempting to facilitate cheating, regardless of their position, would be arrested.
He assured candidates that security would be enhanced throughout the examination period to ensure they completed their papers in a peaceful and secure environment.
“We want to assure our candidates that we will protect them. We will enhance security to ensure the environment remains peaceful and secure for them to undertake their examinations with ease,” he said.
