TSC ISSUES A NEW WARNING CIRCULAR TO ALL TEACHERS

admin October 29, 2023

0 482 2 minutes read

TSC circular to teachers(KNEC). The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has implemented stringent measures to combat the spread of fake examination materials.

This is by prohibiting teachers from participating in certain social media groups. These groups, including 33 WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and other platforms, have been identified as channels for distributing false exam papers.

Dr. Nancy Macharia, the Chief Executive of TSC, emphasized the seriousness of the situation,

stating that severe disciplinary action awaits any teacher found involved in facilitating exam malpractice.

TSC circular to teachers(KNEC)

In an official circular dated August 7, Dr. Macharia listed the 33 prohibited social media platforms,

warning the country’s 380,000 teachers against joining them.

The dissemination of counterfeit examination material through these channels prompted the ban.

The circular was addressed to various educational bodies, including the

Kenya National Examination (KNEC),
Regional Directors,
County Directors, and
Sub County Directors.

TSC circular to teachers(KNEC)

Antonina Lentoijoni, the TSC director of staffing, reiterated Dr. Macharia’s directive, urging supervisors, invigilators, and center managers to –

Ensure the examinations adhere to established rules, maintaining integrity and credibility.

During a meeting attended by Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo (Interior), Belio Kipsang (Basic Education), and John Tanui (ICT) at St George Primary School in Nairobi,

Antonina stressed the importance of upholding integrity and vigilance among those involved in the examination administration.

TSC circular to teachers(KNEC)

Additionally, the Communication Authority will collaborate with other agencies to swiftly identify and remove any social media posts associated with exam malpractice.

Christopher Wambua, the acting director general of CAK, emphasized continuous monitoring of social media to-

Prevent fraudulent practices and expressed their joint efforts with investigative and cybersecurity agencies in the fight against exam malpractice.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also reinforced this stance, warning of impending arrests for individuals involved in trafficking exam-related content on social media.

Nicholas Kamwende, the DCI deputy director, confirmed their commitment to arresting and prosecuting those identified.

TSC circular to teachers(KNEC)

Efforts to combat the issue have already led to the arrest of one suspect, Nicholas Ngumbau Kalewa, who was reportedly selling fake exam papers through various social media platforms.

To ensure exam security, mobile phone usage will be restricted at examination centers,

with only center managers permitted to use them within their offices.

Moreover, secondary school teachers will be redeployed as examination officials away from their usual stations as part of a broader strategy to safeguard the integrity of national tests.

Principal Secretary Omollo highlighted the establishment of two command centers to manage malpractices and emergencies.

He also emphasized the coordination efforts and response mechanisms, including support from the Communication Authority, for any arising issues or emergencies.

Omollo additionally noted the coordination between security committees and disaster and emergency response offices,

Especially in areas affected by adverse weather conditions, to ensure smooth logistics during the examination period.