A multi-agency team comprising Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), County Commissioner’s office, County Director of Education, Teachers’ Service Commission County Director, and teachers convened at Saint Mathias Busia Secondary School to fine-tune preparations for the forthcoming National Tests.
Presided over by Busia Deputy County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto, the stakeholders sought to clarify on pertinent issues surrounding examination administration to ensure a competent, credible, and smooth exercise.
“We have laid down elaborate measures to ensure that all examination centres and material are protected before, during, and after the examination period,” said Ruto.
The DCC exuded confidence at the level of preparedness his office in flagging out incidents of exam malpractice, as has been witnessed in the past.
“Our police officers will work closely with exam centre managers to deliver a befitting environment that will accord all candidates maximum concentration in their exams,” assured Ruto, warning that stern measures will be taken against anyone who will attempt to engage in exam malpractice.
He added that exam containers will be manned around the clock to safeguard integrity of the crucial material, asserting that as at the time of going on air, no exam material had been leaked.
Speaking at the event, Busia County Director of Education (CDE) Nancy Afandi thanked all stakeholders for playing a critical role in modelling the learners at different levels of their education.
“We have 28,553 candidates registered for KCPE, and 17,384 set to sit for KCSE in public, private schools, and private centres,” said Afandi.
The CDE further stated that KPSEA has a total candidature of 29,867 in public and private schools, but not private centres as the case is with KCPE and KCSE.
“For private centres, 12 candidates will take their exams at the prison,” added Afandi.
TSC County Director Charles Nyauma indicated that all exam centres have been fully staffed with required personnel including invigilators and supervisors to administer the exams effectively.
“The centres are divided according to the number of candidates, with one supervisor manning 200 students,” said Nyauma, assuring that any extra number of students will be assigned another supervisor.
Nyauma warned that any exam official found to have violated the KNEC code of regulation and public officers’ ethics act will be prosecuted.
Three exams are slated to take place, including; Kenya Primary Schools Educational Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
According to a KNEC circular, rehearsals for (KPSEA) as well as (KCPE) will be done on November 25, 2022 with the exams kicking off on November 28th and ending on November 30th.
KCSE, on the other hand will be rehearsed on November 18 and sat between November 21 and December 23, 2022.
By Joshua Opili and Absalom Namwalo
