The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has cautioned students, teachers, and administrators against engaging in any form of examination malpractice as the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations officially began across the country.

Speaking at Kakamega School on Monday morning during the opening of the English Composition paper, Ingonga reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on exam cheating. He emphasized that those caught breaking examination regulations will face strict legal consequences.

“We will be seeking tougher bond terms for anyone involved in exam irregularities — whether in small or large schools, rural or urban areas,” the DPP warned.

Ingonga noted that his office’s firm stance on exam integrity is part of the broader government effort to combat corruption and promote honesty across all sectors.

“Corruption begins from any corner of the Republic, and national exams are no exception,” he added.

The DPP, who took time off his schedule to personally oversee the examination process in Kakamega, underscored the government’s determination to maintain the credibility of national assessments. He later addressed candidates, urging them to uphold integrity throughout the exam period, and donated KSh20,000 to the school to provide lunch for the students.

Kakamega School Chief Principal, Elphas Lubaso, assured that the students were adequately prepared for the exams and encouraged them to remain disciplined.

“We have 670 candidates sitting their exams today. We’ve done our part, and we are confident they will perform well,” Lubaso said.

This year’s national examinations will see more than two million learners from both Junior Secondary and Form Four classes assessed as they prepare to transition to the next academic levels.

Approximately 960,000 candidates are sitting for their KCSE exams, while 1,000,030 Junior Secondary learners are completing their Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), marking a key step toward joining Senior Secondary School in January.

In Kakamega County, 51,360 students from public and private institutions began their exams under tight security. County Commissioner Mwangi Meru and Kakamega Central Police Commander Vincent Cherutich also issued warnings against any attempts at cheating, saying those involved will face the full force of the law.

The distribution of exam materials began early Monday morning, with the main container opened under strict supervision. Meru reminded invigilators and supervisors to strictly observe examination regulations, particularly the ban on mobile phones within examination centers.

“No one should enter examination rooms with mobile phones. These have been a major source of past exam leakages, and we will not tolerate it,” he stated.