Authorities in Elgeyo Marakwet County have sounded a red alert following revelations that fraudsters are peddling fake Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam papers to unsuspecting parents and candidates.
According to County Director of Education Nancy Mutai, the con artists have been masquerading as officials from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), collecting millions of shillings while claiming to possess genuine leaked exam papers.
“We have received disturbing reports of individuals posing as KNEC officials, selling what they allege to be authentic KCSE papers. These are criminals taking advantage of desperate parents and candidates,” Ms. Mutai said during a press briefing in Iten.
She firmly dismissed the possibility of any leak, assuring the public that the national exams remain fully secure.
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“Our exam systems are sealed and heavily guarded. No one can access the real papers before the official release dates,” she said. “Let the public know — these are scams, and anyone involved will be severely punished.”
Mutai further revealed that the scam has triggered unrest in some schools, where students reportedly went on a rampage after contributing money to purchase the fake papers.
“Unfortunately, such incidents are happening,” she remarked. “Instead of preparing for their exams, some candidates are being misled into illegal schemes that not only fail them but jeopardise their future.”
Ms Mutai urged parents to remain vigilant and play a more active role in curbing exam malpractice.
“Parents must step up and be on the frontline in protecting their children and our education system. The credibility of national exams is not just an issue for schools — it is a community responsibility,” she emphasised.
The Ministry of Education has launched investigations into the scam, with security agencies now tracking those involved.
Members of the public are being encouraged to report any suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
By Kimutai Langat
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