A Kibabii University student has been arrested in Bungoma over suspected involvement in a syndicate allegedly circulating Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers as candidates began sitting their theory examinations.
John Odhiambo Opiyo was apprehended after detectives reportedly linked him to the distribution of examination papers. Officers recovered a mobile phone believed to have been used in the alleged scheme. Opiyo is being held at Bungoma Police Station as investigators prepare an inventory of the items seized during the arrest.
Authorities also reported suspected examination irregularities in Garissa and Wajir, where investigations were underway to identify those responsible. The arrests and investigations came as candidates across the country sat their English and Chemistry papers on Monday, marking the start of the KCSE theory examinations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba announced that this year’s candidature had exceeded one million for the first time in the history of the national examination. Speaking during the opening of an examination container in Borabu, Nyamira County, Ogamba said candidate registration had risen by 5.27 per cent compared to 2025.
He added that preparations had been completed to support the administration of examinations in more than 10,000 centres nationwide.
In Bomet County, three candidates took their examinations while receiving treatment in hospital. One of them, a girl, delivered a baby on Monday morning before sitting her English paper later in the day. Bomet Education Director Leonard Ngugi said the candidates were accommodated at Longisa Mother and Child Hospital, Kaplong Hospital and Tenwek Hospital. The candidate admitted to Tenwek Hospital is a student from St. Albert School in Migori County.
In the North Eastern region, education officials outlined measures to ensure examination materials reached centres despite security and transport difficulties. Regional Education Director Mohammed Roble said the materials would be transported by road where conditions allowed, while helicopters would be used in areas affected by insecurity.
Roble also cautioned candidates and other individuals against engaging in examination malpractice.
Security personnel were deployed at Hagadera, Ifo and Dagahaley refugee camps in Dadaab to ensure the examinations proceeded without disruption. Fafi Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Munga said a helicopter had been arranged to transport examination materials to and from centres along a route affected by logistical challenges.
Meanwhile, education officials in Narok County expressed concern over the possible use of smartwatches to facilitate examination cheating. County Education Director Peter Magiri called on school heads to provide wall clocks in examination rooms to enable candidates to monitor time without relying on electronic devices.
In Marsabit County, candidates from Sessi and St. Mary’s Mixed schools in Moyale were moved to alternative examination centres following reports of insecurity near the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
Education officials said the relocation was intended to safeguard the candidates and ensure they completed their examinations without interruption.
