In a shocking turn of events in Uasin Gishu County, authorities have apprehended two directors of a private school in Moiben Sub-County after 23 candidates reportedly sat for a fake Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) examination. The incident has sparked a major outcry among parents and the local community, who are now calling for justice and transparency regarding the fate of the affected candidates.
How the Incident Unfolded
The story unraveled on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, after Moiben Deputy County Commissioner Duncan Okwach held a press briefing to disclose details about the incident. According to Okwach, the school involved, identified as Silver Bells Academy, had been operating without formal registration from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). The revelation came after one concerned parent reported suspicious activities at the school on the evening of October 29, leading to swift intervention by the authorities.
The Deputy County Commissioner, accompanied by local law enforcement officers, launched a raid on the school early Wednesday morning. During the operation, they discovered that the students had been sitting for examinations that purported to be KPSEA tests but were, in fact, unauthorized and likely fabricated. “Jana jioni wakati tulikuwa tunafunga, kuna mzazi mmoja alikuja kureport kuwa ameona vitu tofauti zikiendelea katika shule yake. Watoto wanachelewa kufanya mtihani na anadhani kuna vitu zilikuwa zinafanyika. Leo tukakuja hapa kwa hii shule kutaka kujua ni nini kinafanyika,” Okwach reported.
The initial investigations revealed that Silver Bells Academy had been distributing photocopied examination papers, which they falsely represented as authentic KPSEA materials. This discovery not only outraged parents but also exposed critical loopholes in exam security and the registration processes of educational institutions in the country.
School Directors Arrested Amid Growing Concerns
Following the raid, two directors of Silver Bells Academy were immediately arrested for their alleged involvement in the administration of these fake examinations. Authorities suspect that the unregistered school directors had knowingly deceived parents, students, and the community at large by administering these fabricated exams under the guise of the KPSEA, a significant national assessment.
The detained directors are currently under investigation, with the police stating that further inquiries will be conducted to determine the full extent of the fraud. “Kufika hapa tukagundua kuwa kuna shule inajipendekeza kuwa inafanya mtihani, na hakuna mtigani inaendelea. Na pia tuligundua shule haijakuwa registered na watoto pia hawajakuwa registered kufanya mtihani,” explained Okwach. He further added that the fake KPSEA exams had affected 23 candidates, whose academic future now hangs in the balance.
Concerns Over the Future of the Affected Candidates
The issue has left parents and the community in Moiben Sub-County deeply unsettled, as the 23 candidates involved were led to believe that they were sitting for official KPSEA exams. This fake examination, as confirmed by authorities, did not follow any recognized standard and therefore raises concerns over the credibility of the school’s operations. Parents have voiced frustrations, wondering what the next steps will be for their children, who are now uncertain about their academic progression.
The Deputy County Commissioner stated that the government is counting on both the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Ministry of Education to provide guidance on the way forward. He emphasized that these bodies would be responsible for determining a suitable resolution for the affected candidates and helping them transition smoothly to continue their education.
“Tulijaribu kuwahoji tukapata kuwa hawa watoto wamekuwa wakifanya mtihani ambao sio wa kawaida. Wamekuwa wanafanywa mtihani ambao umepigwa photocopy alafu wanapea watoto kufanya,” said Okwach, highlighting that the school had gone as far as photocopying mock exams and passing them off as official KPSEA papers.
Government Steps Up Exam Security Measures
The scandal at Silver Bells Academy comes just a day after the Kenyan government announced enhanced security measures for the national KPSEA and KCSE exams. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration released a statement on October 29, emphasizing the government’s commitment to curbing examination irregularities. The statement highlighted a series of robust security protocols intended to prevent unauthorized access to examination materials and ensure the integrity of the national examination process.
“Security measures for National exams have been significantly enhanced to curb irregularities. We have implemented tight security protocols to safeguard the examination materials from any unauthorized access, while also monitoring the examination process,” the Ministry announced. These measures aim to instill public confidence in the country’s examination system and protect students from any form of fraud or malpractice.
Parents’ Outrage and Demand for Accountability
News of the fake KPSEA examinations at Silver Bells Academy has ignited widespread outrage among parents, who are now demanding justice and clarity. Many feel betrayed by the institution, believing they had entrusted their children’s education to a credible establishment. The deception has left many parents questioning the overall quality control measures of private schools in Kenya and the rigor of the government’s regulatory mechanisms for educational institutions.
One parent, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her frustrations, stating, “We believed this school was preparing our children for a promising future, only to find out that it’s putting their education at risk. How can we trust schools if such incidents keep happening?”
The Larger Picture: Kenya’s Education System Under Scrutiny
The fake KPSEA incident is part of a broader issue within Kenya’s education sector. As more private schools emerge to cater to the rising demand for quality education, cases of unregistered institutions and exam malpractices have become increasingly common. This incident shines a light on the importance of stringent oversight by education authorities, as well as the need for parents to remain vigilant about their children’s schools and their operational status.
The Ministry of Education, together with KNEC, is now expected to implement stricter protocols for school registration, ensuring that institutions like Silver Bells Academy do not exploit unsuspecting parents and students. Education experts argue that such actions will be crucial in restoring faith in the national education system and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
What’s Next for the 23 Candidates?
As investigations continue, the fate of the 23 candidates remains in limbo. The Deputy County Commissioner has assured parents that the government will work closely with KNEC and the Ministry of Education to find a solution. The two directors of Silver Bells Academy are expected to face serious charges for their role in the scandal, and authorities are calling for stricter penalties against individuals found guilty of educational fraud.
In the meantime, parents are urged to verify the registration status of schools and report any irregular activities. The government also encourages community members to stay informed about their local institutions, as a collective effort can help safeguard students from similar situations.
The disturbing incident in Uasin Gishu serves as a wake-up call to stakeholders in Kenya’s education sector. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, transparency, and proper regulation, as Kenya seeks to uphold the quality and reputation of its national education system.
