KCSE Exam Cheating: University Student Arrested as Three Bomet Candidates Sit Exams in Hospital
Detectives have arrested a university student suspected of being behind an examination cheating syndicate that allegedly leaked KCSE examination papers in different parts of the country.
The suspect, identified as John Odhiambo Opiyo, was arrested at Kibabii University in Bungoma County after detectives reportedly traced the circulation of examination papers to him.
A mobile phone believed to have been used to share the leaked examination materials was recovered during the operation and taken as evidence. The suspect was being held at Bungoma Police Station as investigations continued.
Similar cases of suspected examination malpractice were also reported in Garissa and Wajir, where detectives are pursuing other individuals believed to be involved.
Meanwhile, three KCSE candidates in Bomet County sat their examinations in hospital due to different circumstances.
Bomet County Director of Education Leonard Ngugi said one candidate had delivered a baby on Monday morning but proceeded to sit her English examination.
“I have a girl taking her exam at Mother and Child Hospital in Litein. I have another girl undertaking her exam because of sickness at Kaplong Hospital,” Ngugi said.
The candidates were provided with arrangements to ensure they could sit their examinations despite their medical circumstances.
The incidents came as more than one million candidates began their written KCSE examinations across the country on Monday, November 2.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said this year’s examination had recorded the highest candidature in the history of KCSE, with 1,048,355 candidates registered.
This represents a 5.27 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
Ogamba, who witnessed the opening of examination containers in Borabu, Nyamira County, said elaborate security arrangements had been put in place to ensure the smooth administration of the examinations across more than 10,000 centres.
The 2026 KCSE examination is also the second-last under the 8-4-4 education system, with the final cohort expected to sit the examinations in 2027.
