Seven inmates serving life sentences in Naivasha maximum prison joined this year’s cohort who sat for Kenya Certificate of Primary School final exams exuding confidence of posting good grades and scale the education ladder.
The seven are among the 18 inmates at the penal institution who after years behind bars, advanced age and a disruption in education calendar due to Covid pandemic joined thousands across the country who are participating in the three day national examinations.
According to Kevin Muhoro, a superintendent at the institution, the youngest inmate sitting for the exams is 32 years old and the oldest is 44.
Muhoro said the students have been well prepared for the exams and are optimistic of posting good results this year despite the disruptions brought by the pandemic.
He added that they have put in place adequate precautionary measures in the exam centres in accordance with the Ministry of Health Covid – 19 protocols.
Peter Moru, 35, who is serving a life sentence after being found guilty of defilement, said the national exams present a fresh start of advancing with his education after dropping out at standard five.
Moru said he is optimistic that after years of schooling, he will at least score above the half mark to enable him advance further in studies.
According to another inmate Jackson Makoe who has been at the institution for 23 years now, the final exams has granted him a chance to finish his primary level education after he dropped at class five.
Makoe, a Ugandan is serving a life sentence after he was found guilty of robbery with violence in 1999 and is hopeful that the skills and education he has gained will enable him better his life if he succeeds in appealing his case and accorded release.
According to data from the Education Ministry, a total of 5509 students are sitting for the KCPE final exams in Naivasha spread across 113 education centres.
The data also indicate that 36 primary schools are being hosted by other schools in the sub county but with no reported case of insecurity.
By Erastus Gichohi and Calvin Osiemo
