Police to Monitor WhatsApp from Next Week

The government will actively monitor the traffic on social media platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal to tame during KCSE and KCPE cheating. 

According to the Ministry of Interior, security officers will be on high alert during the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations (KCSE), Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations (KCPE).

In a statement on Saturday, October 28, Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Raymond Omollo said they will partner with the Ministry of Education to curb technology enabled cheating practices.

The PS further cautioned against the use of these social media platforms to distribute fake exam materials noting that is against the law.

“As an intervention measure, the Internal Security PS said the government shall actively monitor traffic on the platforms,” read part of the statement. 

At the same time the PS Omollo said, “False publications to mislead students and fraudulent use of electronic devices to send false information attracts a fine of up to Ksh.20 million and imprisonment.” 

Further, the PS said that the government has prohibited the use of mobile phones within the vicinity of the examination centers.

KCSE & KCPE Security

Speaking at St. George’s Primary School in Nairobi, PS Omollo revealed that the government has deployed more than 60,000 security personnel across the country to secure the national examination centres and ensure credibility of the exams.

Moreover, he said the mobilized security agents include National Police Service (NPS) officers and National Government Administration Officials (NGAOs).

According to PS Omollo the security officials will be tasked with manning the examinations containers and protecting students, teachers, and supervisors in the entire period of the national exams.

In addition, he said the government has set up Command and Communication centres at both the National and in all regional levels for close monitoring and supervision of the exercise to ensure a seamless exercise.

“The Ministry of Interior will play a leading and critical role in the execution of the task, supporting the Ministry of Education in coordination, logistics and provision of 24hr security during the examination exercise,” said Omollo.

Also Read: KNEC Issues KCSE/KCPE Dos and Don’ts Days to Exams

Exam Leakage

PS Omollo said that all the examination containers will be located at NGAO offices and will be manned by security personnel round the clock to prevent exam leakages.

Further, the PS called on all the parties involved in the management and supervision of the national examinations and the candidates to adhere to the rule of law and the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) regulations.

Additionally, he issued a stern warning to individuals planning to take part in exam impersonation in the exercise making it clear that such actions will be met with legal consequences.

“Exam impersonation will not be tolerated either by people impersonating the candidates or people purporting to be officials of the examinations,” he warned.

Also Read: CRE Teacher Arrested Selling KCSE and KCPE Exam Leakage

Other Exams Preparations

PS Omollo further disclosed that the preparations also include contingency plans for natural disasters such as flooding.

He mentioned that the government has activated a multi-sectoral County and Sub-County Disaster Risk Management Committees to address any arising/or emerging issues in their localities.

Also, he said special focus has been placed on Counties in Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Northeastern and Coast regions.

“In case of above normal rainfall, arrangements have been made by mapping out evacuation centres that will serve as examination centres,” said the PS.

Moreover, PS Omollo added that ground and aerial support has also been mobilized to cater to areas that may become inaccessible because of heavy rains.

For this reason, Disaster Committees will closely monitor roads, electricity, and buildings in examination centres throughout the examination period.

KCSE & KCPE Dates

With the plans in place, the PS expressed confidence that the national examinations exercise will run smoothly to its successful completion.

“The interventions put in place, coupled with teamwork and cooperation from all stakeholders will facilitate the successful delivery of a credible examination,” he said.

Over 3.5 million candidates will sit for this year’s exams which will run from October 30 to November 24.

Of these, 1.4 million are KCPE candidates, with 1.2million KPSEA candidates while 903,260 will sit for the KCSE exams.