Insecurity Threatens KCSE, KPSEA Exam Process for Candidates in Banditry-Prone Regions.
Thousands of students in Kenya’s volatile areas face an uncertain exam season as the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) begins administering exams.
The candidates are apprehensive about potential disruptions, having experienced a challenging academic journey marred by insecurity.
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) commenced today, while the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams began last week.
Regions facing insecurity, such as the North Rift, northern frontier, and parts of the coast, have endured frequent school closures due to issues like cattle rustling, banditry, terrorism, and inter-clan conflicts.
Tana River County has been especially affected, with eight primary schools closed after recent ethnic clashes.
Consequently, KPSEA candidates from Jajabu, Matagala, Nanighi, Subo, Tune, Ghamano, Darime, and Mitobini schools have been relocated to a central, secure location for their exams.
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These schools, located in two sub-counties, remain abandoned following deadly clashes between communities over land and water resources.
The Tana River County Commissioner, David Koskei, confirmed that Bura Constituency candidates would take exams at Nanighi village center, where security agencies are stationed.
Additionally, schools in Tana North and Bangale sub-counties, including Nanighi, Anole, Maramtu, Darime, Salla, Furaha, Vango, and Ziwani, are closed after recent violence displaced families and caused teachers to flee.
Fears of Exam Disruptions in Other Counties
The prevailing insecurity in counties like Baringo, Turkana, Laikipia, Isiolo, Mandera, Garissa, Elgeyo Marakwet, Lamu, and West Pokot raises concerns that some candidates might miss their exams altogether.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized the government’s commitment to students’ safety and assured that every candidate would be able to sit for exams.
Ogamba reported that a multi-agency team is working to ensure students are moved from high-risk areas to alternative exam centers, with hot spots like Kerio Valley receiving particular focus for security deployment.
Ogamba noted that adequate security arrangements have been made, with personnel stationed at examination centers and others patrolling affected areas.
Meanwhile, James Lokut from Kapedo expressed concern over the long distances his children might need to travel to attend safer exam centers, questioning the practicality of such relocations amid security challenges.
Community leaders and parents have voiced concerns over the effects of relocation on candidates.
Hussein Omar, vice-chairperson of the Nairobi West Muslim Community, pointed out that moving candidates could require them to travel significant distances under unsafe conditions.
Similarly, Peter Biwott questioned the fairness of expecting students from insecure regions to be assessed alongside those from more stable areas, doubting the arrangement’s ability to guarantee their safety.
Teachers’ unions echoed these concerns. Collins Oyuu, Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), urged the government to ensure that teachers and students in insecure regions are protected to prevent disruptions during exams.
Akello Misori, from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), highlighted continued insecurity in areas like Lamu, West Pokot, Baringo, and northern Kenya, which could hinder smooth exam administration.
Misori called on the government to enhance security in these locations to ensure exams proceed without interference.
Government’s Assurance and Parents’ Persistent Concerns
Despite these challenges, CS Ogamba expressed optimism, asserting that security measures were sufficient to ensure students could take their exams peacefully.
He stated that if any issues arise, they would be addressed promptly, assuring that every student would have the opportunity to complete their exams across all regions.
Nonetheless, some parents remain uncertain about their children’s exam prospects due to unrelated disciplinary cases.
Jack Omollo, a parent in Kakamega, expressed frustration, claiming his son was suspended repeatedly, affecting his ability to prepare for the exams.
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Another parent, Grace Amboka from Naivasha, shared a similar predicament as her son had been out of school for an entire year due to unresolved disciplinary issues.
In response, Willie Kuria, chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha), reassured that all registered students would be allowed to sit for their exams despite disciplinary matters.
Kuria clarified that registered candidates hold a contract with the Council, ensuring they cannot be barred from taking exams.
Insecurity Threatens KCSE, KPSEA Exam Process for Candidates in Banditry-Prone Regions.
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