Eight teachers from Pala Masogo Secondary School in Homa Bay County were arrested on Monday, November 4, 2024 for allegedly photocopying a chemistry exam paper for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

The suspects, including the centre manager, invigilators, and Board of Governors (BOG) teachers, were detained after being caught in the act at the school.

Homa Bay Sub-County Police Commander, Emmanuel Kiplagat, confirmed the arrests, stating, “Some teachers were found photocopying exam papers, and all eight suspects are now in custody.”

Kiplagat also revealed that the photocopying was intended for a student who had been hospitalized and could not sit for the exam. The incident was uncovered by a multi-agency team made up of officials from the Ministry of Education and the National Police Service.

Police seized all evidence related to the malpractice. “All evidence was confiscated and will be used in the case against the suspects,” Kiplagat added.

Despite the photocopied paper not reaching the classroom, Kiplagat emphasized that any involvement in exam malpractice would be taken seriously.

“We will arrest anyone who attempts to engage in exam malpractice,” he warned. As a result of the scandal, the Ministry of Education has taken swift action, replacing all exam officials at the school.

This includes changes in security personnel, invigilators, and the centre manager. Kiplagat assured the public that these changes would help maintain exam integrity for the 119 candidates still sitting for their exams at the school.

The suspects are being held at the Homa Bay Police Station as investigations continue.