Mobile phones are proving to be a headache in the administration of national examinations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha said the government is considering a total ban on the use of mobile phones in schools during exam periods. “The greatest singular enemy we have today are the cell phones,” Magoha said.
The CS denied claims that mobile phones confiscated in exam rooms contained exam answers. “There is no way there could be answers on those phones. A few teachers are accessing exams early before exam time, but the test has not leaked,” Prof Magoha added.
The CS was responding to reports that three counties are on the spot after three teachers and a student were caught with photos of KCSE exam papers. He said Nairobi, Kisii and Garissa are on the ministry’s watch.
Prof Magoha cited Sir Newton High School in Eastleigh, Nairobi, where a teacher was found taking photos of the KCSE papers.
“The matter is being investigated by the police,” the CS said after commissioning a CBC classroom at Precious Blood Girls High School, Riruta. CS Magoha said a KCSE candidate from Eastleigh High School was caught with a mobile phone in the exam room with screenshots of questions sent by someone from Daraja Mbili in Kisii.
Elsewhere, a principal, supervisor and four invigilators also were arrested after four mobile phones with exam materials were found in the toilet
The only way Magoha can curb this exam cheating is involve other stake holders like ICT. Let him request them tom to close the popular site for communication; WhatsApp for this remaining two Weeks of examination period.