The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) theory examinations commenced on Monday morning, with the Meru County reporting significant incidents affecting candidates taking their final exams.
In the early hours of November 4, around midnight, a male candidate from a Tigania West school tragically passed away just hours before the examination.
Meanwhile, two female candidates who were expecting went into labor and delivered at a hospital in Meru.
“Around 12:00 AM, we lost a male candidate from Tigania West. Simultaneously, two expectant girls were admitted to Meru Hospital for delivery.
We expect updates on this situation, so we will keep you informed as we receive further details,” confirmed a regional administrator.
During a media briefing for the exam distribution in Meru County, the administrator acknowledged the unfortunate events and also highlighted the participation of adult candidates, including prisoners.
A total of 151 senior adult candidates are set to sit the exams across five centers, along with 12 male inmates.
Echoing the Ministry of Education’s message, the administrator urged all personnel involved in overseeing the examinations including center managers, supervisors, invigilators, and police officers to comply with existing guidelines to prevent misconduct and malpractice.
“All officials have been instructed regarding their responsibilities, and anyone found involved in examination malpractice will be prosecuted,” he warned, emphasizing the importance of allowing candidates to achieve their results after years of preparation.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba called on exam supervisors to avoid facilitating cheating, assuring that the government would actively monitor the situation and crack down on violators.
He also revealed that this year’s examination papers are equipped with technology to detect tampering and promptly report such incidents to the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) headquarters in Nairobi.
Additionally, school officials have been prohibited from bringing mobile phones to examination centers.
The Ministry has announced plans to use social media to report any suspicious activities related to the ongoing exams for immediate action.
Offenders will face prosecution in newly established courts designed to address examination malpractice swiftly.
PS Omollo Rallies Chiefs to Lead in Tree Growing Efforts Across the Country
