By Habil Onyango
Eight Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education officials at Pala Masogo Secondary School in Homa Bay County were arrested on Monday for their alleged involvement in examination malpractices.
Those arrested included the Centre Manager, Invigilators, and Board of Management (BOM) teachers.
They were allegedly caught replicating chemistry papers on one of the school premises.
According to Homa Bay Sub County Deputy County Commissioner Emmanuel Kiplagat, the officials were apprehended before the papers could reach the candidates.
“A multi-agency team, including officers from the education sector and security forces, reacted swiftly after receiving information about the incident and arrested the eight suspects,” said Kiplagat.
“The exhibits have been taken and secured as investigations continue, and all eight suspects are currently held at Homa Bay Police Station. They will soon be arraigned in court,” Kiplagat added.
He further mentioned that security measures have been increased in all schools to prevent further malpractices.
“We want to ensure that all candidates take their examinations without any bias,” he stated.
Kiplagat emphasized that law enforcement efforts have intensified to prevent such incidents and to enforce strict compliance with examination regulations.
“We want to send a warning—to teachers, invigilators, examination center managers, parents, and even security officers—that we will not spare anyone attempting to facilitate such practices,” Kiplagat warned.
Officers noted that BOM teachers, rather than the centre manager, conducted the exercise, suggesting collusion between certain officials and teachers.
“For a paper to leave the examination center—though we are unsure how it happened—clearly shows there was a scheme or syndicate among those responsible,” said the Deputy County Commissioner.
In response, the authorities have replaced all personnel assigned to the Examination Centre, including the Manager, invigilators, and security staff.
This incident comes shortly after Education CS Julius Ogamba issued a stern warning to teachers, parents, and examination officials about the serious legal consequences of attempting to manipulate exams.
“A multi-agency team is actively monitoring social media, and we have already taken action against websites falsely claiming access to examination papers,” the CS noted.
“I wish to remind all personnel involved in the administration of examinations, as well as teachers, of their professional duties,” warned the CS.
