Detectives from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) joined forces with Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Masaba North to arrest a major exam fraudster on Sunday. The notorious suspect identified as Stephen Nyang’au allegedly ran a Telegram group titled “KCSE 2024 Leakage Group.”
How Detectives Tracked the KCSE 2024 Exam Leakage Administrator
Sleuths tracked the suspect’s activities and movements, finally catching him at his Masaba North residence. After identifying his exact location, authorities conducted a search of his premises, leading to the discovery of key digital devices. Both his mobile phone and laptop were confiscated, which officers believe were used in his operations to exploit desperate students and parents.
Authorities report that the seized devices will undergo forensic analysis, as they may contain critical evidence. Investigators are hopeful this data will expose networks involved in exam leaks, helping to stem the rising wave of academic dishonesty.
Legal Trouble Ahead for the Exam Leak Suspect
The suspect now sits in police custody, where he faces serious charges under section 27 (1) of the KNEC Act No. 29 of 2021. This section prohibits unauthorized possession or control of examination materials. A conviction could mean imprisonment of up to ten years or a fine of up to two million shillings. KNEC officials have made it clear that they will leave no stone unturned in combating such criminal activities.
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Section 27 (1) of the KNEC Act states that any individual who, without lawful excuse, possesses or controls any examination paper or material faces harsh penalties. Such stringent measures aim to deter individuals from tampering with Kenya’s education system integrity.
Authorities Target Exam Fraud Rings
The recent arrest represents just one phase of a larger crackdown on exam cheating in Kenya. Police report they are pursuing additional suspects who prey on vulnerable students and parents by promising “leaked” exam materials for a fee. These efforts align with the Ministry of Education’s renewed commitment to prevent cheating.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos emphasized the need for a fair examination process and promised strict measures to curb exam fraud. According to Migos, future cheating cases will be handled individually to protect innocent students and schools from unwarranted penalties.
CS Julius Migos addressed educators at Lang’ata Sub-County Headquarters, where he highlighted the government’s zero-tolerance approach to exam fraud. Migos assured parents, students, and teachers that KNEC would treat each case of cheating individually, rather than punishing entire examination centers. This approach, he explained, aims to protect honest students while ensuring those who cheat bear the consequences.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we put in place very serious measures to ensure that if any malpractice arises, we will handle it individually. We will not punish an entire school or center,” Migos stated.
This comes barely a week after Communication Authority (CA) wrote to telecommunication service providers in Kenya, asking them to suspend Telegram access during KCSE exams period.
