KNEC Introduces High-Tech Padlocks for 2025 KCSE Exams: Real-Time Tracking to Curb Cheating

The Kenya National Examinations Council will be managing more than 3.4 million learners this year through national and assessment, including form four candidates and the first grade 9 cohort.

KNEC CEO David Njengere speaking during the launch of the national examinations and assessment season.

This marks a significant milestone in competency-based education. The KNEC CEO, Dr. David Njengere, has warned Kenyans to be cautious of fake question papers and leaks.

Why Exam Security is a Major Concern

In recent years, there have been several exam leaks, particularly concerning the KCSE exams. For instance, in 2015, the exams were leaked across the country and were even broadcast on television, which was deemed the worst exam leak since independence.

Since then, the Kenya National Examination Council has implemented various measures to curb cheating and close existing loopholes; however, instances of cheating continue to occur.

The credibility of examinations in Kenya significantly affects students’ mental health, the reputation of educational institutions, and the country's position in the global academic community.

For students, it creates immense psychological pressure and unfair competition, leading to stress and anxiety.

Schools involved in exam malpractice suffer significant damage to their reputation, which can ultimately lead to a decrease in student enrollment and potential loss of accreditation.

Compromised exams damage the country’s global academic reputation, potentially leading to international skepticism towards Kenyan graduates. This can create barriers for Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad, such as further studies.

During the launch of the 2025 national examinations assessment season at Mtihani House, David Njegere stated that security and transparency remain top priorities, and the council will continue to implement the double collection of exam papers to address early exposure.

How the High-Tech Padlocks Work

The Kenya National Examination Council has not provided specific details about the type of high-tech padlocks they plan to use. However, based on the described capabilities, it suggests that they are considering a sophisticated security solution that may incorporate several key technologies.

According to industry standards for high-security real-time padlocks, these devices are expected to include GPS for location tracking or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) for data transmission.

This is the first time we are witnessing this kind of technology in the history of KNEC, as this system will enable KNEC to monitor the precise location of examination containers at all times through a centralized portal. Any deviation from the designated route or unauthorized attempts to open the container will trigger an immediate alert, allowing for a swift response from the police.

Additionally, though not confirmed, these “smart” padlocks are likely to include features beyond simple tracking. For example, access to the padlocks is expected to be controlled electronically, possibly through encrypted keys, biometric verification, or secure mobile applications that only the center managers will have access to for accountability.

A research paper done at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology on the “Optimisation of KNEC storage system using Electronic Identification and  GSM Communication systems” suggests that the examination body has been exploring such technologies for some time.

The proposed system in this paper describes the use of electronic identification, such as RFID, along with a GSM module to send alerts to a control center in case of any attempts to open the storage container.

The introduction of high-end padlocks highlights KNEC’s dedication to fair and credible examinations for all candidates, utilizing technology to prevent exam irregularities.

As KNEC continues to roll out the program further, we can expect details about these “smart” padlocks in the coming days.

Other Measures to Prevent Cheating

The examination council has implemented additional measures to prevent exam cheating, including the personalization of KCSE question papers, which was initiated last year and will continue this year.

This process is said to be efficient as examiners are marking the candidates' scripts, and they don’t have access to the name of the candidate or, index number of the candidate, hence eliminating the bias.

KNEC also ensures that there are no phones allowed during the opening of exam papers or during the exams. 

Invigilators will not be placed in their preferred areas. They must declare any affiliations with examination centers to which they are assigned. 

Since last year, KNEC has mandated that all supervisors cannot serve at one center for more than one week; instead, they will rotate weekly.

What this means for 2025 candidates

These measures ensure fair marking of candidates' scripts without favoritism from markers.

Candidates should prepare thoroughly, and they should not fear cheating crackdowns.

These crackdowns on cheating are designed to ensure that well-prepared students will have their hard work rewarded, allowing them to take exams with confidence

The government has strengthened security by deploying police to protect the integrity of the examinations, including at all storage and distribution centers.

School heads, inspectors, and examination officers have been urged to strictly follow the KNEC guidelines. 

The council has issued a strong warning against any actions that may undermine the integrity of exams, vowing decisive actions if anyone is found culpable.

Coclusion

With that being said, KNEC's innovations and exam credibility have significantly improved. The council is leveraging technology to combat cheating by using high-tech padlocks and personalizing KCSE past papers to eliminate bias.

We are advocating for the establishment of a more transparent education system in Kenya, as this initiative has the potential to earn the country international recognition for conducting equitable and unbiased examinations. 

Furthermore, it would facilitate a more equitable distribution of students among schools, preventing the tendency for students to concentrate in the highest-performing institutions. As a result, students would gain international acknowledgment and may qualify for sponsorships to pursue further studies abroad.