2M Bond Over Teachers and Candidates Caught with Phones During KCSE
Ten teachers from Pala Masogo Secondary School in Homa Bay County have each been ordered to pay a bond of Ksh.2 million with a similar surety in connection with alleged exam malpractice in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. The teachers, who appeared before Homa Bay Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Auka on Wednesday, face three counts of fraud-related charges tied to the exams and have denied all charges.
The accused, which includes the school’s center manager, were arrested after reportedly being caught photocopying the KCSE Chemistry paper. Magistrate Auka ruled that the accused may pay an alternative cash bail of Ksh.1 million. “It is so directed that summons be issued to the investigating officer to address the matters raised by the defence on when the accused persons were arrested, and we have consented that the matter be mentioned on 20th November 2024 for purposes of setting up a pretrial,” she stated.
On the same day, irregularities were also reported in Kiambu County, where two candidates from Membley High School were found with mobile phones inside the examination hall. Ruiru Deputy County Commissioner Julius Too explained that the candidates were discovered with the phones just before their exam began and had not yet used them. “They will continue with the exams, so we have allowed them to sit, and the Kenya Examination Council will take action as the police also take action, but I assure you the exam has not leaked,” clarified Ruiru DCIO Jeremiah Ndubai.
In Laikipia County, two candidates, who recently gave birth, were permitted to take their exams from Nyahururu County Hospital. One of the candidates, after delivering her baby on Tuesday, continued her exams from the maternity wing, while the other requested permission to avoid the hardship of traveling 25 kilometers each day. “Naamka mapema naenda kwa DC niwagojee niende na wao juu sina means ingine ya kwenda shule ni hao ndio nategemea wanipeleke na wanirudishe na huko shule napia challenges mingi kama kukalia form na nimeshonwa,” shared one of the candidates, emphasizing her struggle.
In Kericho County, three other candidates were also reported to have taken their exams in a hospital setting, underscoring the lengths some students are going to ensure they complete the national exams amid unique personal circumstances.
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2M Bond Over Teachers and Candidates Caught with Phones During KCSE
