The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) kicked off in Homa bay County despite delays in a number of schools due to impassible roads and mechanical hitches.
More than 40 primary schools in Rangwe and Mbita Sub Counties begun the exams 30 minutes late after vehicles used in transporting the exams papers got stuck on the way.
In Rangwe, a school bus used in transporting exams papers to Kochia West and Kochia East broke down at Imbo Trading center forcing teachers and security officials to send distress calls for another bus to be sent to pick them to deliver examination paper.
The bus from Kuoyo Kochia Boys Secondary School broke its rear wheel while in motion which rolled into and got lost in the bush.
According to Rangwe Sub County Education Officer, Ziada Osano, the affected teachers were picked up by another bus from Asumbi Teachers Training College to their respective schools.
In Mbita, a bus transporting examination papers to schools in Lambwe West also got stuck in the mud thus delaying the exercise for about 30 minutes.
The Homa Bay County Commissioner (CC), Harman Shambi said the bus managed to reach the target schools after using an alternative route. He added that the exercise went on well in other areas.
Meanwhile, at Homa Bay GK prison, a candidate who registered for the national examinations failed to show up yesterday. The center had registered 14 candidates.
Speaking to KNA, the Homa Bay GK Prison officer in charge of welfare, Michael Ayugi said the candidate who failed to turn up for the exams had served his term at the prison and was set free.
“Normally, registered candidates are required to come back during examination even after being set free. We have not been able to trace the location of the candidate to enable him sit for his exams,” he said.
Ayugi added that exams were meant to help the inmates get equal opportunity in job hunting after being set free.
“There are other courses being provided at the prison including tailoring, woodworks among other technical studies. The exam is meant to help the inmates get necessary documents when seeking job opportunities,” Ayugi said.
While the officer in charge of Adult Education at the Prison, Richard Otieno said all the candidates were prepared for the exams.
By Dan Oduor/Davis Langat
