Students at Nyambaria High School drove away KNEC exam officials on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, for intimidating and harassing them during the ongoing national exams.
The institution which topped in 2022 national examinations is lately on the spot following unconfirmed allegations of rampant irregularities.
Nyambaria KCSE Candidates Chase KNEC
Although the school insisted that the stellar performance was the consequence of hard work, doubters insist—without offering any proof—that the students participated in exam malpractice.
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Security guards from Nyamira County have since been deployed to restore order in collaboration with regional examination officers.
Exam-taking students claim that since they were suspected of exam theft, they were harassed by invigilators and other personnel assigned to administer the tests.
The candidates are reportedly complaining about exaggerated searches for signs of cheating in the exams.
Elsewhere, Charles Onyari, the principal of Nyambaria, was suspended last week due to speculations of irregularities in the underway exams. The extent of his attempt or involvement in exam affairs remains unknown.
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Exam irregularities have always been a concern, with authorities accusing exam officials and educators of working together to swap papers among candidates.
In the past, exam results of some schools have been canceled due to irregularities, forcing candidates to repeat classes.
Kenyans have noted in the past that despite the evidence of exam cheating, there have been very few convictions.
Also on Tuesday, a student was arrested with a mobile phone containing exam papers.
Police have launched a manhunt for a WhatsApp group admin who was accused of selling exam papers to students.
- READ ALSO: Why was Nyambaria Principal Suspended?
Regional leaders have expressed dissatisfaction about what they see as profiling of Nyambaria High School and other schools in the Kisii region during exam season.
