By M, KNA
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has assured candidates and the public that this year’s national examinations have been administered with the highest level of integrity, crediting the strengthened procedures introduced by the Ministry of Education.
Speaking in Ruiru, Kiambu County, where he supervised the opening of Geography and Physics Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education (KCSE) papers at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office today, Ogamba said the refined management of the tests has significantly enhanced professionalism and reduced opportunities for malpractice.
He highlighted the Ministry’s decision to adjust the daily exam paper collection process as a major safeguard.
“Previously, all examination papers were collected once in the morning. In the spirit of vigilance and out of abundant caution, we now require centre managers to collect papers twice daily 7am for the morning session and 1.30 pm for the afternoon one,” he said.
The CS said these measures have largely secured the integrity of the exams across the country.
However, he acknowledged that despite the heightened vigilance, a few individuals still attempted to beat the system.
Several suspects have been questioned, while others remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Ogamba called for enhanced alertness and urged centre managers to maintain strict operational discipline for the remaining three days.
He reassured candidates that the government is committed to ensuring their grades reflect merit.
“Our candidates should feel confident that the results they receive will be credible and a true reflection of their hard work,” he said.
Ogamba also announced that preparations for the marking exercise are already underway, with marking centres expected to open soon.
He emphasised that the same level of professionalism applied during administration will guide the marking process.
Turning to the transition into senior secondary school, the CS confirmed that the first cohort under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum will report to senior school on January 12th next year.
He called on teachers, parents and communities to support the learners as they join schools where the 8-4-4 system is still running concurrently.
The CS further noted that the Ministry’s ongoing nationwide verification of schools will help ensure fairness in resource allocation.
The data, he said, will guide decisions on staffing and infrastructure, particularly in rapidly growing regions like Ruiru, which require more teachers, laboratories and libraries.
Ruiru MP Simon King’ara welcomed the government’s efforts, noting that several institutions, including Ruiru Boys Secondary School and Ruiru Vocational Training College, are set to benefit from additional infrastructure to ease congestion.