The Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Prof. George Magoha on Tuesday witnessed the opening of Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination container at Uhuru na Kazi Building in Mombasa.
The opening of the container that stored sealed examination papers for English, English Composition and Mathematics took place at exactly 6am under tight security.
The Centre managers arrived at the Provincial Headquarters at 5am to collect the examination materials for 18,895 candidates in Mombasa County.
Prof. Magoha said the government has put in place elaborate measures to ensure safety and fidelity of the examination across the country.
“We have made sure every registered candidate including expectant mothers will sit for his or her exams without fail,” said the CS
Prof. Magoha also said the Ministry has acquired 10 helicopters to help distribute examination material to areas affected by floods.
He mentioned at least seven counties of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu and parts of Turkana which have been badly affected by the on-going heavy rains in the country.
The CS disclosed that about five examination centres in coast region have been relocated due to flooding.
Prof. Magoha warned that the government will not hesitate to take stringent measures against those involved in any malpractice in the national exams.
“We must protect the integrity of the examination and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on our children,” added the CS.
Prof. Magoha assured of credible examination saying the government was determined to ensure no cheating will take place and said those who will make such attempts would have themselves to blame.
He singled out Migori, Kisii and Homa Bay counties as hot spot areas in examination malpractices and warned of dire consequences if schools bar any candidate from sitting for examination because of failing to pay fees or any other levy.
Magoha’s warning comes as Four Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) candidates from Kyunguni Primary School in Mukaa sub county will not be sitting for the national exams after the school failed to register them.
The Makueni County Commissioner (CC), Maalim Mohammed said the revelations were made on Monday during the rehearsals when the candidates’ names were found missing from the nominal roll.
Maalim said education officials have launched investigations to find out how the public school which has a candidature of 33 pupils didn’t register the four.
“The sub county director of education will probe how the head teacher did not register the candidates despite being given an ample time to do so,” said the county commissioner.
The Education CS was accompanied by the Coast Regional Commissioner, John Elung’ata, the Regional Education Coordinator, Hassan Duale and other top government officials.
By Mohamed Hassan
