In a significant move to curb the rising tide of examination malpractices, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has imposed a strict ban on teachers, prohibiting them from joining 33 flagged social media sites and channels. These platforms have been identified as sources for fake examination materials, prompting TSC Chief Executive Dr. Nancy Macharia to take decisive action.
Dr. Macharia, in a circular dated August 7, warned the country’s 380,000 teachers against participating in social media groups on platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) during the examination period. She emphasized the government’s determination to maintain the integrity of examinations and stated that stern disciplinary measures would be taken against any teacher involved in abetting examination malpractice.
The crackdown, supported by the Communication Authority, aims to swiftly identify and remove social media posts containing fraudulent examination materials. Christopher Wambua, the acting director general of CAK, highlighted their round-the-clock monitoring efforts in collaboration with social media platforms, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the National Cybersecurity Centre.
Furthermore, the TSC, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, has taken additional measures to ensure the security of national tests. These measures include deploying 223,000 teachers as supervisors and invigilators, along with 71,760 designated centre managers. Mobile phone usage within examination centers will be restricted to center managers’ offices, and teachers will be barred from entering these premises.
One notable success in the crackdown was the recent arrest of a suspect, Nicholas Ngumbau Kalewa, alias ‘Mr. examiner.’ Kalewa was found operating multiple WhatsApp and Telegram accounts, selling fake examination papers at prices ranging from Sh1,500 to Sh2,000. Detectives infiltrated his group, posing as students, and subsequently apprehended him, signaling a significant victory in the fight against examination fraud.
The TSC’s stringent measures, coupled with active collaboration from various authorities, demonstrate a collective commitment to upholding the credibility of national examinations. As the crackdown intensifies, teachers, students, and the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Stay informed about these developments by subscribing to our newsletter.
By clicking on the SIGN UP button, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy.
Read More
Breaking Barriers: Kenya’s Bold Move to Enhance African Unity and Trade
Tragedy Strikes in Eldoret: Five Class 8 Students Meet Untimely End in Boating Accident
Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid: Bellingham’s Heroics Secure Dramatic Victory
