The Kenya primary schools’ education assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya junior secondary education assessment grade nine (KJSEA) examinations kicked off early this morning in Marsabit county without a hitch.
The Kenya national examinations council (KNEC) has put in place elaborate measures including stationing a helicopter at the county to attend to any emergencies that might arise in the vast county.
Marsabit is one of regions in the country with challenges that range from poor road network, inadequate internet connectivity and vastness hence KNEC had to airlift examination papers to far-flung areas like Illeret and Dukana.
According to the county director of education (CDE) Peter Magiri Marsabit has 8,514 candidates for the grade six examination in 206 centres while 6,425 candidates are sitting for grade nine examination in 168 centres.
Mr Magiri said during the launch of the exercise at Marsabit Central distribution point that arrangements had been made to ensure the Examinations including Kenya certificate of secondary education (KCSE) which practical papers are on were conducted devoid of any irregularities.
The CDE noted that the national exercise was being undertaken under favourable climatic conditions compared to last year whereby heavy rains affected the distribution of examination materials.
“Apart from little showers reported in Laisamis sub county, the weather is quite favourable across the county,” he observed adding that the government has stationed a helicopter in Marsabit for the entire examination period to assist in case of any eventuality.
In his remarks, Marsabit county commissioner James Kamau assured centre managers and candidates of their security saying measures were in place to ensure that the examinations were conducted in a conducive environment.
Mr Kamau noted that the government was investing a lot of resources for the delivery of credible examinations.
The county commissioner urged managers of examination centres and candidates to conduct themselves ethically adding: “National examinations are conducted under laid down regulations and guideline which should be followed to the letter.”
Mr Kamau noted with satisfaction that examination materials were delivered to distribution points on time adding the dispatch of the examination papers to examination centres today was also timely.
by Sebastian Miriti
