Cracking the Fake Grades Racket: Two Nabbed in KCSE Scam Amid Rising Exam Fraud Fears

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in collaboration with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), arrested the duo following a covert probe into online fraud schemes.

Regional media coverage underscores the broader threat to Kenya’s education integrity as results season intensifies.

Arrest Details and Suspect Profiles

Albert Kerry Nyadianga was apprehended in Kisumu, while mastermind David Opiyo, a primary school teacher alias G.O.A.T., was nabbed in Ongata Rongai.

Opiyo ran the “KCSE 2025 Grade Upgrading” group with over 45,200 followers, alongside others like “KNEC Legit Papers and Upgrading” promoting fake upgrades for cash.

“Further checks show that he is also active in several other online forums associated with examination manipulation claims, including KNEC Legit Papers and Upgrading, Group Booster Support, KNEC/KASNEB/ICM/CDA, and KNEC Grade Editing, among others,” DCI added.

Forensic phone analysis revealed doctored slips and fraud materials, confirming their operation.

The pair circulated fake slips widely on social media, conning families by claiming insider KNEC access to alter official results.

DCI’s KNEC-attached officers tracked the syndicate, leading to coordinated raids.

This bust exposes a network exploiting post-exam anxiety, with warnings that genuine KCSE results remain tamper-proof.

Such scams erode trust in the high-stakes KCSE system, where grades dictate university entry and jobs.

Past incidents, including reports of mass arrests during 2025 exams for cheating, highlight persistent malpractice from leaks to impersonation.

Authorities urge verification via official KNEC portals, vowing to dismantle similar online rackets amid over 1,000 prior result cancellations.

This case signals heightened vigilance as Kenya combats fraud threatening youth futures.