12 KCSE Candidates Barred From Sitting Remaining Papers Over Alleged Phone Possession

12 KCSE Candidates Barred From Sitting Remaining Papers Over Alleged Phone Possession

Twelve candidates from Kitonyini High School in Machakos County have reportedly been barred from sitting their remaining Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers following an incident involving mobile phones.

The students were suspended from the examinations on Friday, November 13, after they were allegedly found in possession of mobile phones within the examination zone.

Information obtained by Kenyans.co.ke indicates that the incident prompted action against the candidates as examination authorities moved to address the reported breach of examination regulations.

However, it remains unclear whether the learners were found with the devices inside the examination rooms or elsewhere within the school compound.

The incident has raised fresh questions about compliance with examination rules as thousands of candidates across the country continue sitting their national examinations.

Why Kitonyini High School candidates were suspended

According to information available, the students’ alleged possession of mobile phones violated regulations set by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

The examination council prohibits candidates from carrying mobile phones and other electronic communication devices into examination centres.

The rules are intended to prevent unauthorised communication, access to examination materials and other forms of examination malpractice.

The reported suspension came hours after the government announced that the KCSE examinations were progressing smoothly across the country.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the candidates will be allowed to resume their examinations, had not been fully clarified at the time of reporting.

Ogamba warns against examination malpractice

The incident comes amid heightened efforts by the Ministry of Education to maintain the integrity of national examinations.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has repeatedly warned candidates, teachers and other examination stakeholders against engaging in activities that could compromise the credibility of the KCSE examinations.

During the opening of the national examinations, Ogamba issued a stern warning to anyone planning to participate in examination offences.

“The government shall have no mercy on anyone who engages in any examination offences or malpractices,” the CS stated.

The government has maintained that measures have been put in place to ensure the examinations are conducted fairly and with minimal disruptions.

KNEC rules on mobile phones and electronic devices

Under KNEC regulations, candidates are prohibited from possessing mobile phones or other electronic communication devices at examination centres.

The restrictions also apply to examination officials, whose phones must be switched off and kept in secure locations away from examination rooms.

The rules are designed to prevent candidates from accessing unauthorised information or communicating with people outside the examination room while papers are in progress.

Any breach of examination regulations may attract disciplinary action, depending on the nature and circumstances of the offence.

Other items prohibited in KCSE examination rooms

KNEC also prohibits candidates from entering examination rooms with books, handwritten notes, loose papers or other unauthorised materials.

Such items must not be placed within candidates’ reach during the examination.

Calculators are only permitted in subjects where their use is authorised, including Mathematics and Physics. Candidates must use approved non-programmable models without covers.

The examination rules further restrict handbags, briefcases and backpacks inside examination centres to minimise the possibility of candidates accessing unauthorised materials.

The reported Kitonyini High School incident comes as education officials continue monitoring examination centres to ensure compliance with the established guidelines.

With the KCSE examinations still underway, the case highlights the importance of candidates understanding and following examination regulations to avoid penalties that could affect their academic progress.

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12 KCSE Candidates Barred From Sitting Remaining Papers Over Alleged Phone Possession