12 Kitonyini High School Students Reportedly Barred from Remaining KCSE Papers Over Alleged Phone

Twelve students from Kitonyini High School in Machakos County have reportedly been barred from sitting their remaining Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers after allegedly being found with mobile phones within the examination zone.

The reported incident has raised concerns about examination malpractice and the strict regulations governing the administration of the national examinations.

However, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Ministry of Education had not issued an independently verified public statement confirming the incident or explaining the action reportedly taken against the students at the time of publication.

KNEC regulations prohibit candidates from entering examination centres with mobile phones and other electronic communication devices during the examination period.

According to the council’s examination guidelines, candidates found possessing or accessing such devices during examinations are considered to have committed an examination irregularity, which can lead to the cancellation of their examination results.

The rules are intended to protect the integrity of national examinations and prevent candidates from accessing unauthorised assistance or communicating examination content to outsiders.

The Kenya National Examinations Council has also warned that examination malpractice can attract serious consequences, including cancellation of results and disqualification from examinations, depending on the nature of the offence.

In its November 2026 examination coverage, the Daily Nation reported that KNEC had strengthened restrictions on mobile phones at examination centres, requiring candidates and examination personnel to surrender their devices during examination sessions.

The council has maintained that examination regulations apply to all candidates and personnel involved in administering national examinations.

Further clarification is needed from KNEC, the Ministry of Education and the school administration regarding the alleged incident at Kitonyini High School, including whether the 12 candidates were formally disqualified and whether they will be allowed to appeal the decision.https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GFVe4D62H/

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