The government has launched a 24-hour National Command Centre to combat the spread of fake Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam materials circulating online, in a bid to safeguard the integrity of national examinations.
Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo announced that the multi-agency centre is now fully operational, working in real time to track, identify, and arrest fraudsters exploiting digital platforms to peddle counterfeit exam papers.
Based at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the centre brings together personnel from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of ICT, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and national security agencies. It monitors social media platforms around the clock, responding instantly to suspicious activity and misinformation.
“The centre allows us to access and assess information in real time, and where there are gaps, we immediately intervene,” said PS Omollo. “Our officers are monitoring various platforms to neutralise individuals seeking to defraud parents, teachers, or candidates with fake exam leaks.”
He revealed that authorities have already detected attempts by fraudsters posing as exam insiders, demanding money from unsuspecting victims under the guise of selling leaked papers. “We’ve seen this pattern before. This time, we’re coordinating all efforts to ensure swift arrests and prosecutions,” he added.
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Speaking in Starehe Sub-County after opening a KPSEA and KJSEA examination container, Omollo assured the public that robust measures are in place to protect the credibility of all ongoing and upcoming national exams. He said security teams at both national and grassroots levels are working closely with KNEC to ensure fair and uninterrupted exam administration.
“We are already supporting the ongoing KJSEA and KPSEA examinations that began across the country on Monday. We shall sustain the same vigilance as KCSE candidates begin their papers next week,” he said.
The PS also noted that the Command Centre will oversee the safe delivery of exam materials in regions affected by logistical challenges due to the ongoing short rains. He affirmed that no candidate will be disadvantaged, and all examination centres will receive papers on time.
By Masaki Enock
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