Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has sounded a strong warning to teachers and education stakeholders against exam malpractice as the country prepares for the national examination period beginning in October 2025.

Ogamba emphasized that maintaining the integrity and credibility of examinations remains a top priority for the Ministry of Education, warning that anyone found aiding or abetting cheating will face severe disciplinary and legal consequences.

“As always, we look forward to your support in delivering a seamless and credible examination and assessment process. Let us work together to ensure that the outcome reflects the honest work of our students,” said Ogamba on Sunday, October 5, 2025, during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations at Kasarani.

The CS noted that the stakes are higher this year as the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) exams will be administered for the first time, alongside the Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPVLEA).

The exams will run from October 27 to November 6, 2025, marking a significant phase in evaluating learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Over 3 Million Learners Set for 2025 National Exams

Ogamba revealed that 1,298,089 learners will sit for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), while 1,130,669 students will take part in the inaugural KJSEA.

Additionally, 996,078 candidates are expected to sit for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.

He affirmed that the government has enhanced measures to curb exam cheating, citing the personalisation of examination papers, the ban on mobile phones in exam centres, and increased surveillance on social media to deter malpractice.

Also Read: CS Ogamba Makes Several Appointments in Education Ministry

Special Courts and Strict Regulations

CS Ogamba announced that the government would establish special courts to expedite the prosecution of individuals caught engaging in exam irregularities.3

In line with ministry directives, Term Three remains a restricted period, banning non-essential activities and visits to schools to minimize distractions and potential malpractice.

Also Read: Teacher-Student Correlation: Why Student Safety in Schools Is Raising Alarms

Teacher Recruitment Milestone

During the same event, Ogamba highlighted the government’s ongoing teacher recruitment drive, noting that 76,000 teachers have already been employed, with 24,000 more expected by January 2026.

“An additional 16,000 will follow later in the year, as we continue bridging the teacher shortage that has challenged our education system for years,” he added.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba with Ministry of Education officials during the celebrations of World Teachers Day at Kasarani. PHOTO/ Julius Bitok X.