President Ruto Announces Major Changes in KCSE Exams.
President William Ruto has announced a significant shift in how national examinations are handled in Kenya, stating that police officers will no longer be involved in managing exams. He emphasized that examinations should be viewed as a normal part of the learning process rather than a high-stakes, "life-and-death" affair.
Speaking on January 23, 2026, President Ruto explained that in the past, national exams (such as the KCSE) were treated with extreme seriousness, leading to police deployment to oversee and secure the process amid concerns over cheating and irregularities
This change aligns with broader education reforms under his administration, aiming to reduce the intense pressure associated with exams and promote a more holistic approach to education. The president highlighted this as a milestone in shifting away from an overly securitized examination environment.
The statement has been widely shared across media outlets, including reports from The Star, People Daily, and various social media posts from news accounts like K24 TV (which featured a similar graphic and quote). It comes shortly after the release of the 2025 KCSE results earlier in January 2026.
Reactions online have been mixed, with some Kenyans questioning the precise role police previously played (often described as providing security and escorting materials rather than full "management"), while others welcomed the move toward de-emphasizing exam pressure.
This policy appears to build on ongoing efforts to reform exam administration under the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), focusing on integrity through other means like increased invigilators and supervisors rather than routine police presence.
