The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has recently issued a warning about a fraudulent scheme targeting Kenyans who wish to alter their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results.
The scam, which has been circulating on social media, falsely claims that individuals can pay to have their grades upgraded. This revelation comes amid an increase in exam-related fraud cases, particularly as Kenya prepares to transition away from the KCSE system in 2027.
KNEC Warns Against Fake Grade Upgrade Services
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, KNEC flagged a social media post that was misleading parents, students, and former candidates into believing they could apply for grade changes and KCSE certificate processing for a fee. The fraudulent post targeted individuals who sat for their KCSE exams between 2000 and 2024, offering them a chance to improve their results through an “open-source” system in the KNEC database.
Further investigations conducted by Chipuko.com traced the scam’s origins to a Facebook account that used KNEC’s official logo as its profile image. The account falsely claimed to “fix results from KCSE to university admissions,” providing a fake service that is entirely illegal.
Scam Extends to TVET Students
The fraudsters also extended their deceptive scheme to students who had undertaken Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. Their post alleged that individuals who sat for their TVET exams between 2010 and 2024 were eligible for similar grade upgrades.
To lure in unsuspecting victims, the scammers falsely claimed that certain years of KCSE and TVET results had been made “open source” in KNEC’s database, giving them an opportunity to modify grades for those who did not perform well. The post read:
“The above years have been made open source information in the KNEC database/servers; that’s why we are taking this opportunity to do an upgrade for those who never coped with their grades.”
However, KNEC swiftly responded, dismissing the claims and cautioning Kenyans against falling for such fraudulent schemes. In its rebuttal, the agency issued a firm warning:
“Beware of fraudsters. Do not be conned.”
How KNEC Issues KCSE Results and Certificates
KNEC clarified that KCSE result slips are dispatched to the Sub-County Directors of Education for collection by school heads within a month after the official release of the results.
For the 2024 KCSE candidates, results were released on January 9, 2025, and certificates will be distributed later this year. Typically, KNEC takes about eight months to process and issue certificates to schools after the exams.
The government also revealed that 965,501 candidates sat for the 2024 KCSE exams, with 246,391 students scoring a C+ and above, making them eligible for university admission. This is the highest number of university qualifiers in the past eight years.
Growing Trend of KCSE Exam Scams
The rise in fraudulent activities surrounding KCSE exams is not new. However, the problem has become more rampant following the government’s announcement that KCSE will cease to exist after 2027, as Kenya fully transitions to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
This change has led to desperation among some students and parents who may feel pressured to improve their results before the final KCSE exams are phased out. Fraudsters have taken advantage of this anxiety, exploiting individuals who are desperate for better grades to secure university placements or employment opportunities.
Mid-Year KCSE Exams Plan Faces Legal Challenge
To ensure smooth transition and accommodate more students, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba recently introduced a mid-year KCSE exam to be held in July, between 2025 and 2027.
However, this plan has already encountered significant legal obstacles. A Kisii court issued a conservatory order suspending the mid-year KCSE exams until a case challenging their validity is heard and determined. The court’s decision has also halted the registration process and practical examinations, which were set to begin in late January 2025.
Despite this setback, the Kenyan government remains committed to implementing the mid-year exams. In response to the court ruling, Ogamba stated:
“As a government, we are determined to ensure the mid-year exams are administered for the benefit of the students. At the moment, our lawyers need to examine the basis of the conservatory order and respond accordingly.”
This suggests that the government will appeal the court’s decision to push forward with the mid-year KCSE exams.
What Candidates and Parents Should Know
To avoid falling victim to such scams, KNEC advises candidates, parents, and schools to adhere to the official channels when dealing with exam results, certificates, and other academic documents. The following key points should be noted:
- KCSE results cannot be altered – Any claims of grade upgrading services are fraudulent and illegal.
- Certificates are issued through schools – No external agencies, individuals, or online platforms can legally process KCSE certificates.
- Beware of fake KNEC social media accounts – Always verify information from KNEC’s official website and social media pages.
- Report scams to authorities – If you encounter suspicious activities related to KCSE exams, report them to KNEC or law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
The recent revelation of the KCSE grade upgrade scam highlights the growing menace of exam-related fraud in Kenya. KNEC’s swift action in flagging the scam serves as a critical reminder to Kenyans that academic integrity must be upheld at all costs.
With the mid-year KCSE exams facing legal battles and the transition to CBC in progress, students and parents must be extra vigilant to avoid being misled by fraudsters preying on their anxieties. The only legitimate way to improve KCSE results is through hard work, academic discipline, and official resits, not fraudulent shortcuts.
As KNEC continues to tighten security around exam administration and certification, it is imperative for the public to remain alert and support efforts to protect the credibility of Kenya’s education system.
