Suspected KCSE Examination Fraud Mastermind Arrested in Nakuru County

In a significant breakthrough against examination malpractice, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers have apprehended a key suspect allegedly involved in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination fraud scheme.

Collins Kipchumba Kemboi, 23, was arrested in Kiamunyi area of Nakuru County following a joint operation between DCI officers attached to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and Nakuru County investigators.

Operating under the alias “Dorothy Jerop Kiprono,” Kemboi had amassed a significant following across social media platforms, with over 78,000 followers on Telegram and 8,500 members in various WhatsApp groups. According to investigators, candidates were charged between KES 700-850 per examination paper.

The arrest, conducted by DCI officers in collaboration with KNEC officials, took place in Kiamunyi area of Nakuru. Officers recovered multiple pieces of evidence including:

• An Infinix Hot 10 Lite phone
• Multiple SIM cards
• Several national ID cards with different identities
• A driving license

According to the police report, Kemboi is a university graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management and was employed as a salesperson at an international company. He hails from Kaseta area of Sacho in Baringo County.

Kemboi is currently detained at Nakuru Central Police Station and faces charges of fraud and unauthorized possession of examination materials. He is scheduled to appear before the Nakuru Law Courts tomorrow.

Speaking about the arrest, DCI officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining examination integrity and warned against examination malpractices.

Telegram Ban

This case highlights the evolving nature of examination malpractices in Kenya. While recent efforts have focused on platform restrictions, cybercrime experts suggest that a more comprehensive approach to digital literacy and examination integrity might be more effective than blanket bans on communication platforms.

The arrest of Collins Kipchumba Kemboi demonstrates why targeted law enforcement operations are more effective than blanket technological restrictions in combating examination fraud. The recent decision to limit Telegram access in Kenya, while well-intentioned, may have been a reactionary measure that failed to address the root cause of the problem.

This serves as a template for future operations and demonstrates that targeted law enforcement action, rather than broad restrictions on communication platforms, is the more effective approach to maintaining examination integrity. It proves that when law enforcement agencies are properly equipped and coordinated, they can successfully identify and apprehend those who threaten the integrity of our education system without compromising the digital rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens.