Ministry Reports Rise in Pregnant Candidates for KCSE Exams This Year.
Dr. Belio Kipsang’, the Principal Secretary of Basic Education, reported a concerning rise in the number of pregnant candidates taking the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in hospitals this year compared to 2023.
Addressing the public during the KCSE examination paper distribution event in Kikuyu on Friday, he emphasized that the increase is a societal issue that should alarm the community.
“Numbers of girls sitting examination in hospitals have slightly gone up, parents let us engage our children so that we can protect them against situations that expose them to teenage pregnancies,” said the PS.
Dr. Kipsang’ urged parents to engage more actively with their children to prevent situations that lead to teenage pregnancies.
He noted that the rise in the number of girls sitting for exams in hospitals, often shortly after giving birth, highlights a need for community-wide involvement to protect young girls from early pregnancies.
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Additionally, Dr. Kipsang’ called upon teachers to play a supportive role by counseling female students, helping them navigate challenges that might affect their studies and well-being.
Incidents of Pregnant Candidates in Various Counties
Narok County reported cases of three candidates sitting for exams after giving birth.
The County Director of Education, Apolo Apuko, confirmed that these candidates came from St Antony’s Secondary School in Narok East, Namnyak Girls in Narok West, and Chepkoiyet Secondary in Trans Mara East, where a candidate delivered twins at Ndanai Hospital.
In Meru, two candidates gave birth at a public hospital in Imenti North sub-county shortly before their exams.
The 2024 KCSE exams officially began on October 22, starting with oral and practical tests for elective subjects, while the main written exams commenced the following Monday.
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According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the exams will conclude on November 22, with the final Physics practical paper.
This year, a record 965,501 candidates are participating in the exams, a significant increase from the 903,138 candidates recorded in 2023, reflecting expanded participation across 10,755 examination centers nationwide.
Ministry Reports Rise in Pregnant Candidates for KCSE Exams This Year.
