Education officials have been put on high alert over examination malpractice as Kenya begins the 2026 national examinations and assessments season, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerging as a new threat to exam integrity.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof. Julius Bitok [Correction: John Ololtuaa as per your copy], has warned officers involved in the administration of national exams to uphold the highest standards of professionalism to safeguard the credibility of the assessment system.
Ololtuaa cautioned that malpractice is increasingly being facilitated through digital technologies, requiring examination administrators to remain vigilant throughout the assessment period.
"As officers entrusted with the administration of National Examinations and Assessments, we must remain vigilant and uphold the highest standards of professionalism," he said.
The PS noted that concerted efforts are necessary to prevent all forms of malpractice, including those enabled by AI and other digital platforms, saying exam integrity is critical in ensuring results accurately reflect learners' abilities.
He said the credibility of national exams must remain trusted by parents, schools, institutions and the public, adding that any form of cheating could undermine the value of results and erode confidence in the education system.
The warning comes as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) prepares to oversee the 2026 examination cycle amid increased use of digital tools by learners and the wider education sector.
Ololtuaa urged all officers to work collectively to preserve the credibility, validity and reliability of national assessments and ensure the integrity of the 2026 exams is protected.
Reader Discussion (0)
Sign in to comment