Detectives from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) have arrested a university student accused of operating an elaborate online syndicate that sold fake national examination papers to unsuspecting candidates across the country.
The suspect, Chrispinus Nandafu Naisuma, a fourth-year student at Meru University of Science and Technology, was apprehended during a sting operation in Kianjai, Tigania West Sub-county. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Naisuma had established a digital network through which he distributed counterfeit KNEC examination papers, targeting desperate students and parents ahead of the upcoming national exams.
Investigators revealed that the suspect used a mix of online platforms and digital tools to make his operations appear credible. He reportedly sourced and edited materials from platforms linked to “Dr. Ibrahim,” “Madam Salim,” “ChatGPT,” and other educational content sites to deceive clients into believing they were purchasing genuine examination materials.
- 29 Airtel SIM cards
- 6 mobile phones
- 2 laptops
- Several Safaricom and Telkom SIM cards
DCI officers said the devices were instrumental in enabling Naisuma to coordinate with his clients and receive mobile money payments for the fake examination papers.
“Chrispinus is currently in custody undergoing processing pending his arraignment,” the DCI confirmed in a statement.
The arrest comes at a time when KNEC is intensifying its crackdown on examination malpractice and digital fraud ahead of the national examination season. Authorities have cautioned students and parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or online groups purporting to sell examination materials.
Education experts have praised the move, saying it underscores the need for tighter surveillance in the digital space, where cybercriminals continue to exploit anxious learners. “This is not just a case of exam leakage — it’s cyber fraud targeting our education system,” one official noted.
