The Kenyan government has intensified its crackdown on exam malpractice by banning the use of mobile phones in all KCSE examination centres and restricting access to the Telegram messaging app, which has recently been linked to widespread cheating networks.
In a statement released on Monday, government officials said the decision aims to preserve the integrity of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams and curb the sharing of leaked exam materials online.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) confirmed that access to Telegram had been temporarily restricted across the country following reports that several rogue groups were selling alleged KCSE exam papers through encrypted channels.
Education Cabinet CS Julius Ogamba emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent examination process. He warned that any teacher, student, or invigilator found using a mobile phone within examination compounds would face severe disciplinary and legal action.
The Ministry of Education has also heightened surveillance in exam centres, deploying security officers and using digital monitoring systems to track suspicious activities.
Parents and education stakeholders have lauded the move, calling it a necessary step to safeguard the credibility of national exams and uphold Kenya’s education standards.
