TSC Bans Social Media as Cheating Crackdown Intensifies
Teachers are now prohibited from participating in certain social media groups associated with distributing counterfeit examination materials. Dr. Nancy Macharia, the Chief Executive of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), has warned that stern disciplinary actions will be taken against teachers found aiding examination malpractice.
In a circular dated August 7, Dr. Macharia listed 33 social media sites and channels that 380,000 teachers in Kenya are forbidden from joining due to their involvement in peddling fake exam papers. This circular was shared with various educational bodies, including the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), Regional Directors, County Directors, and Sub County Directors.
Antonina Lentoijoni, TSC director staffing, reiterated the importance of the circular and urged supervisors, invigilators, and center managers to prevent malpractice and ensure credible examinations. She emphasized the need for integrity and vigilance.
TSC Bans Social Media as Cheating Crackdown Intensifies
The Communication Authority will work alongside various agencies to monitor and remove social media posts related to exam malpractice. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned of arrests for those associated with such social media platforms.
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Efforts to combat early exposure to exam materials include deploying secondary school teachers as examination officials away from their regular stations. Mobile phone usage in exam centers will be restricted to center managers only, and teachers won’t be allowed inside exam premises.
A recent crackdown led to the arrest of a suspect who claimed to have both primary and secondary national exam papers. He operated through multiple social media accounts, selling fake papers.
The government is taking measures to secure the examinations, including setting up command centers and coordination with various agencies to address malpractice and emergencies. They have also identified and vetted supervisors, invigilators, and center managers for this year’s exams.
