Meru University Student Arrested for Selling Fake KNEC Papers Online
A fourth-year student at Meru University of Science and Technology has been arrested for allegedly running an online operation selling fake KNEC papers as the national examination period approaches.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), working with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), apprehended the suspect in Kianjai, Tigania West sub-county, after a coordinated sting operation.
Mastermind Behind Online Exam Fraud
Investigations revealed that the student, identified as Chrispinus Nandafu Naisuma, is believed to be the mastermind behind a digital fraud network operating under the name “The Teacher’s KNEC Exam 2025.”
He reportedly used multiple online aliases to lure unsuspecting buyers. These included Dr Ibrahim, Madam Salim, Chat GPT, and Violent Kathini Mwendwa. He tricked victims into buying fake exam papers. They paid for what they believed were genuine Kenya National Examinations Council papers. Instead, they received doctored or counterfeit materials.
During the arrest, officers recovered 29 SIM cards, six mobile phones, and two laptops that they believe were used to coordinate the scam.
Heightened Crackdown Ahead of National Exams
Authorities have intensified surveillance on online platforms ahead of the 2025 national exams. Digital exam scams continue to rise. KNEC has warned students, parents, and teachers to stay vigilant. It cautioned against people claiming to sell genuine exam papers. KNEC stressed that all official exams are securely printed and distributed under strict security protocols.
The DCI said the suspect remains in custody pending arraignment once investigations are complete. If convicted, he faces multiple charges including forgery, impersonation, uttering false documents, and publishing false or misleading information under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018.
Safeguarding Exam Integrity
Education stakeholders have commended the arrest, saying such efforts are crucial in preserving the credibility of national examinations and upholding fairness for all candidates.
In recent years, exam security breaches have spiked. Online leaks and fake paper sales are increasingly common. Experts blame the anonymity of social media and digital platforms. Fraudsters use these tools to target students seeking shortcuts.
KNEC has since adopted advanced anti-cheating measures such as watermarking, coded tracking, and restricted distribution of examination papers. Officials maintain that these systems guarantee the integrity of Kenya’s examination process.
