All students sitting for their Kenya Primary Education Assessment Examination (KPSEA) from the Boni area have been airlifted to Faza Secondary School to sit for their examinations.
Speaking to the media during the opening of national examination paper in Amu Island today, Lamu County Commissioner Macharia Irungu revealed that the 28 candidates were airlifted to sit for their exams in Faza due to their respective schools not being registered as examination centres.
He further said that the move points to the success of the national government’s 100 percent transition policy regardless of where the students are based.
Five of the Boni schools had been closed four years ago due to past insecurity fears stemming from infrequent Al Shabaab attacks on learning institutions such as Mangai Primary school that was closed down after part of its school’s roofing structure was burnt down.
The five affected schools include Basuba, Milimani, Mararani, Mangai and Kiangwe that had remained closed since 2014 following guerrilla attacks by suspected Al-Shabaab militants.
However, the schools reopened following deliberate actions by the national government under the “Operation Amani Boni” Initiative that saw all schools within the Boni area reopened following improved security within the Boni area.
Also speaking during the exam opening, Lamu County Director of Education Joshua Kaaga expressed optimism over the improved transition rates stating that a total of 3,660 candidates with 1,879 being boys and 1,848 girls are sitting their KCPE.
“A total of 3,873 students will be sitting for their KPSEA with 2,025 being boys and 1,848 girls,” he said.
He further stated that he expected the number of candidates to increase next year following redoubled efforts by the national government through the public administration to ensure that dropout rates stay low.
By Amenya Ochieng
