Ongeri links Knec officials to cheating

By Augustine Oduor

Education minister Sam Ongeri has said officials at Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) could be linked to the annual examination leakage.

"There are crucial leads that we are following. Some officers may have been involved in one way or another. But in the interest of transparency, I want leads to these leakages followed for stern action," he said.

Prof Ongeri instructed Education PS James ole Kiyiapi, Education secretary George Godia and Knec Secretary to investigate the issue thoroughly to find an amicable solution.

The minister said some 2,927 candidates in 154 examination centres have had their results cancelled over examination irregularities.

Ongeri said students had devised fresh avenues of cheating.

The minister noted that students even chew pre-written answers during examinations to destroy evidence.

Knec secretary Paul Wasanga asked Kenyans to help curb the vice.

It emerged yesterday that examination irregularities were prominent in 36 out of the 47 counties.

Only 11 did not register irregularities. These are Nyeri, Turkana, Laikipia, Busia, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Nyandarua, Machakos, West Pokot, Nyamira and Trans Nzoia.