KNEC bans mobile phones, handbags, kiondos during national exams
By Mercy SimiyuThe Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has taken a stern stance on ensuring the integrity of its national examinations which commence on October 21, 2023.
In a bid to combat cheating and maintain the credibility of the examination process, KNEC has released a comprehensive list of prohibited items that are not allowed in exam rooms.
Among the banned items are various electronics that could potentially be used for illicit activities during exams.
These items include mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, body cameras, camera pens, earphones, and any device with Bluetooth capability.
KNEC’s decision to ban these electronic devices is part of its ongoing efforts to eliminate any potential avenues for cheating.
Mobile phones, in particular, have been a persistent concern in the context of examination malpractice. The ability to communicate with the outside world during an exam poses a significant threat to the integrity of the testing process.
The inclusion of smartwatches on the list is also aimed at preventing candidates from using these devices to access information or communicate with others.
The prohibition of tablets, body cameras, camera pens, and earphones is a measure to preemptively address technological advancements that could be misused for cheating.
By banning such items, KNEC hopes to maintain the sanctity of the examination environment and uphold the fairness of the assessments.
“Prohibited items in the exam room include, mobile phones, smart watches, earphones, tablets, Handbags, briefcases, backpacks and Kiondo’s,” the exam body tweeted
In September 2023, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang announced the highest number of Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations (KCPE) candidates will sit the exam in 2023.
He said over 3.5 million candidates will sit for national examinations with KCPE candidates covering the most soaring number ever recorded in the country.
The move to impose bans on electronics and other items come a year after the national exams results were released by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu amid a cloud of controversy after it emerged an unusually high number of candidates had posted exemplary results.
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