Authorities in Marsabit County have confiscated a total of 17 mobile phones from candidates sitting for the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. The phones were seized in Moyale (9 phones) and Saku (8 phones) constituencies during the ongoing nationwide crackdown on exam malpractice.
According to officials from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and local education officers, the gadgets were discovered during routine inspection exercises meant to ensure exam integrity. The phones were found hidden in various ways — including in shoes, under desks, and even in toilet areas — as students attempted to sneak them into examination rooms.
Marsabit County Director of Education confirmed the incidents, noting that the affected candidates have been disqualified from the ongoing exams and their cases forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for further action.
Education officials have reiterated that strict measures remain in place to safeguard the credibility of the KCSE exams. Security personnel are stationed in all centers, and random checks are being conducted to curb any attempts at cheating.
The Ministry of Education has repeatedly warned candidates against carrying any electronic gadgets into exam centers, emphasizing that even possession — without use — is a serious breach of examination regulations.
This year’s KCSE exams, which began last week, have seen increased surveillance following past cases of paper leaks and use of unauthorized materials. Authorities have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring the exams are fair, credible, and transparent across the country.
