Murang’a County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo has cautioned police officers assigned to man national examinations against undertaking the assignment while drunk.
Ngumo said security personnel deployed to provide security at the various examination centres should remain sober at all times, in the course of duty.
The county commissioner speaking during the county’s national examination steering committee meeting observed that more than 1, 600 police officers have been deployed to provide security in all the examination centres in Murang’a.
He further urged the officers to desist from using their phones while at examination centres as this may compromise credibility of the examinations.
Ngumo asked all those involved in the administration of the national examinations to remain vigilant and work as a team and guard against any malpractice in the exercise.
“Early this year, we oversaw administration of national examinations and I am glad that no malpractice was reported in Murang’a. This time round, when three levels of national examinations are being conducted, I urge the security officers and education officials to work as a team and adhere to the laid down regulations in order to ensure success of the entire exercise,” said Ngumo at Mumbi Girls High School.
In Murang’a, 31, 197 candidates are expected to sit for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 343 examination centres, while 26, 234 candidates will sit for KCPE in 625 centres, starting on November 28-30.
At the same time, 24, 985 class 6 pupils in the county are expected to sit for Kenya Primary Education Assessment (KPSEA) Examinations, which will be conducted in 635 centres.
The County Director of Education Ann Kiilu confirmed that examination materials have been received in the sub county containers.
Kiilu added that centre managers, supervisors and invigilators have been identified, vetted and deployed in all examination centres.
“All officers managing examinations should be vigilant to ensure adherence to the laid down procedures to prevent examination malpractices,” she stated.
Speaking during the same meeting, the County Police Commander Mohammed Nuno assured that police officers deployed to man the examination have been sensitized on how to ensure there are no cases of malpractices.
“No officer will appear at the examination centre while drunk and if such a case arises, there will be some officers at standby. The security officers are also discouraged from using their phones at centres.
“We have realized people currently spend time on social media platforms and this can also happen at the centres, putting credibility of the examination at risk,” added Nuno.
By Bernard Munyao
