Preparations for this year’s national examinations in Murang’a County are complete, with thousands of candidates expected to sit the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and assessments for learners in basic education.
The County Director of Education (CDE) Philip Wambua said 32,487 candidates, including 15,835 boys and 16,634 girls, are registered for the KCSE examinations, which will be administered in 336 centres across the county.
Speaking to KNA on Wednesday, Wambua said 25,334 candidates will sit the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) in 567 centres, while 24,093 candidates will undertake the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) in 618 centres.
The CDE added that 91 candidates will sit the Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) in 10 centres, while another 91 will undertake the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA). The county has also registered 106 private candidates for the KCSE.
Wambua said education officials, security officers and examination centre supervisors had been briefed and trained between October 6 and 9 to ensure the smooth administration of the examinations.
He cautioned examination officials against laxity, stressing that only authorised personnel would be allowed into examination centres and that candidates must adhere to examination regulations.
“Candidates are not allowed to leave the examination room before completing their papers. In cases where leaving is unavoidable, they must be accompanied by an invigilator of the same gender,” he added.
The CDE further explained that contingency measures had also been put in place to protect candidates and examination materials from disruptions caused by the expected heavy rains, particularly in areas prone to landslides.
He said vehicles had been mobilised to facilitate the timely transportation of examination materials to centres, adding that arrangements were in place to relocate candidates if a centre became inaccessible or unsafe because of a disaster.
Wambua urged examination officials to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity that could compromise the integrity of the national examinations.
He also warned candidates against examination malpractices, saying the county was determined to ensure the examinations were conducted fairly and credibly.
During last year’s KCSE examinations, 22 students from a senior school in Murang’a had their results cancelled over examination malpractices, underscoring the need for strict adherence to examination rules.
“We want to deliver credible examinations this year, and I urge candidates to avoid any activities prohibited during the examination period,” he remarked.
By Bernard Munyao
