A major exam malpractice scheme was uncovered at Nyamninia Secondary School in Yala, Siaya County, on November 11, 2024, during an official monitoring exercise for the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Two officials from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), Mr. Joseph Nyaga and Mr. John Okoth, were conducting a routine visit to the school when they observed suspicious behavior among candidates sitting the Mathematics Paper 2. Upon further investigation, they discovered photocopied answers hidden by candidates, some of whom were concealing the materials on their persons.
The KNEC officials reported finding four photocopies of the exam paper with one of the school’s supervisors, Isaac Wesonga, and one additional copy from a student. The candidates were reportedly attempting to hide the papers in their private parts as they struggled to conceal their cheating materials.
A multi-agency team consisting of the Sub-County Security Team, led by the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Sub County and County Education Directors, and KNEC officials swiftly arrived at the scene. After a thorough investigation, 13 individuals were arrested for their involvement in the malpractice, including the center manager, Judy Maloba Wamocho; invigilators Jackline Auma Ogilo, James Omondi Onyango, Maurice Change, Benard Owino, Emmans Visram, Mbui Monica, Grace Malelle, Famaris Yongo, and George Kerima Nyamnane; supervisor Isaac Omondi Wasonga; BOM teacher Isaac Santose Obago from St. Mary’s; and deputy center manager Patrick Musungu Chamula.
The arrested individuals, along with their roles at the school, are as follows: Judy Maloba Wamocho, the center manager; invigilators Jackline Auma Ogilo, James Omondi Onyango, Maurice Change, Benard Owino, Emmans Visram, Mbui Monica, Grace Malelle, Famaris Yongo, and George Kerima Nyamnane; Isaac Omondi Wasonga, the supervisor; Isaac Santose Obago, a BOM teacher at St. Mary’s; and Patrick Musungu Chamula, the deputy center manager.
In addition, one invigilator, Eric Randera, managed to flee the scene before authorities could apprehend him.
The suspects were placed in custody as investigations continue. The case is being handled by the Siaya County Criminal Investigations Office (SCCIO) Gem Division.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by KNEC and education authorities in combating exam malpractice, which undermines the integrity of the national examinations system. Authorities have vowed to take strict action against all those involved to maintain fairness and transparency in the examination process..
