The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has announced that teachers found guilty of violating any kind of examination rules in the upcoming National Examinations will be liable to a fine of Sh5 Million or a five-year term.
This statement, which dictates stringent punishment for teachers, was issued on Monday when Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i met examination officers at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
“As such all monitoring officers must conduct themselves professionally during the follow-up exercise to guard against breaching any of the rules and regulations,” the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) said in brief.
To effect this new rule, the exam council directed all KNEC officials who encounter the various kinds of cheating to collect relevant information and evidence which could be used in a court of law.
Other key issues that could land teachers in trouble include harassment, disturbance, and disruption of candidates when examinations are in progress.
"Issuing of contradictory instructions without the express authority of Knec and soliciting and acceptance of bribes from head teachers, teachers, supervisors, candidates, parents or other such parties,” the brief added.
In cases where a monitoring officer spots malpractice, they will be required to get another party to commit themselves in writing as having witnessed.
The new examination rules will also allow candidates to appeal against the decisions of the council to withhold, nullify or cancel examinations.
The students will apply to the tribunal through the County director of education and in cases where the applicant is a minor, it will be made by a parent or guardian.