In a shocking turn of events, four teachers from Bombaba Mixed Secondary School, Kisii, found themselves behind bars at the Ogembo police station over their alleged involvement in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam malpractice.
The incident unfolded during the Geography Paper Two examination session, as authorities discovered written and photocopied questions and answers.
During a routine inspection at the examination center, officials found a mobile phone containing incriminating evidence of the malpractice.
“The examination materials discovered included a mobile phone containing incriminating evidence and 22 copies of Geography Paper Two, each containing annotated answer sheets.
Astonishingly, the number of papers exceeded the total number of students taking the exam, with only 19 students registered for the session. This implies that each student would have received a copy of the illicitly prepared answers,” said Pamela Magunga, Gucha sub-county TSC Director.
The malpractice was uncovered during the continuation of the morning paper session, prompting immediate action from examination officials and law enforcement.
Preliminary investigations suggested that this incident may not be an isolated one, with indications that the school has been engaging in exam malpractice without detection.
The Sub-county DCIO Leonard Luttah while speaking to KNA said he believed the malpractice might have persisted undetected for an extended period, raising concerns about the integrity of previous examinations administered by the school.
“Further investigations are underway to determine the extent of the malpractice,” the DCIO added.
The four detained teachers are now set to face the full force of the law, as they are scheduled to be arraigned in court within 24 hours.
The charges against them include exam cheating, conspiracy to commit a crime and potentially compromising the academic integrity of the students involved.
Commenting on the incident, Gucha sub-county Director of Education David Akhalea affirmed that education officials and law enforcement agencies are committed to eradicating exam malpractice and ensuring a fair and transparent examination process.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of national examinations. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the examination process and will take decisive action against anyone found compromising the sanctity of the exams,” said Akhalea.
The incident has cast a shadow over the reputation of the school with examination stakeholders expected to take swift and decisive action to curb such malpractices.
By Misheba Alfred