KNEC Investigates Cheating Allegations at Kalonzo Musyoka-Linked School.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has withheld the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results for 92 candidates from Mama Malia Academy in Tseikuru, Kitui County. This action stems from an ongoing probe into exam malpractice at the school, which is associated with the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation.
Exam Malpractice Investigation at Mama Malia Academy
KNEC initiated an investigation after receiving complaints of alleged cheating at the private girls’ school. In a statement, the council noted that it would release its findings once the probe concludes. The school principal, Naomi Ndambuki, expressed shock at the decision, citing a lack of detailed explanations from KNEC. The uncertainty has heightened anxiety among affected students and their families.
Mama Malia Academy, founded by Pauline Musyoka, wife of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, initially served as a rescue center for disadvantaged girls. Most students come from underprivileged backgrounds, with many receiving financial support from the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation.
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Mama Malia Academy’s Track Record in Academics
Despite the allegations, Mama Malia Academy has earned a reputation for academic excellence. The school has consistently performed well in national exams, ranking among the most improved schools in the country since 2018. In the 2023 KCSE results, the school celebrated significant achievements, including producing the most improved student nationally.
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One standout case was Esther Mwikali, who joined the school with 199 marks in her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams and later attained a B plain. The school also earned recognition as the most improved institution in Eastern Kenya in 2021 and 2022.
Exam Irregularities at Matinyani Boys Secondary School
Meanwhile, Matinyani Boys Secondary School in Kitui County faces similar scrutiny. KNEC flagged several students’ results due to alleged malpractice during the 2023 KCSE exams. According to County Director of Education Khalif Hassan, 12 candidates received “Y” grades, signaling result cancellations.
A teacher from Matinyani Boys disclosed that discrepancies in the school’s results raised questions. While 328 candidates registered for the exams, the school released results for only 316, achieving a mean grade of 6.582. The missing results have fueled speculation of cancellations, marking the second consecutive year the school has faced such issues.
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Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze called on KNEC to address the allegations of exam malpractice at Matinyani Boys. As a former teacher and principal, she underscored the need to maintain education standards and rebuild trust.
“Exam cheating erodes education integrity and shatters parental trust,” Nyenze stated. “We must protect schools from such malpractice to secure the future of our students.”
Both schools now await KNEC’s findings, which are expected to clarify the circumstances and uphold accountability. Stakeholders are calling for transparency to restore confidence in the education system and safeguard the credibility of national examinations.
KNEC Investigates Cheating Allegations at Kalonzo Musyoka-Linked School.
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