Insecurity Threatens KCSE Candidates in Kenya’s Conflict Zones.
Insecurity continues to endanger KCSE candidates as exams begin in some of Kenya’s most volatile regions. Across conflict-prone areas like the North Rift, Northern Frontier, and the Coast, students face daunting challenges, from cattle rustling to clan conflicts. For many, the chance to sit for exams remains uncertain due to ongoing violence and frequent school disruptions.
As the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) commences exams, concerns mount for candidates in these high-risk areas. Primary schools in Tana River have relocated their exams to a single secure center after recent ethnic clashes forced closures. Schools like Jajabu, Matagala, and Tune are among those affected, their students now displaced by tribal conflict over land and water.
Tana River County Commissioner David Koskei assured residents of heightened security, with Bura Constituency candidates now taking exams at the Nanighi village center under strict security surveillance. According to Koskei, extensive measures are in place, yet fear persists. “The students’ path to this milestone is marked by obstacles,” he remarked, noting that clashes have continually unsettled schools in Tana North and Bangale.
This disruption is not limited to Tana River. Counties like Baringo, Turkana, Isiolo, and Lamu face similar dangers that threaten exam schedules. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized the government’s commitment to securing all candidates. “We’re collaborating with a multi-agency team to ensure safety,” Ogamba stated, adding that students near insecurity hotspots may be relocated to safer venues.
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Despite these promises, parents like James Lokut from Kapedo worry about the practicalities of relocating candidates. “We fear for our children’s safety as they travel long distances just to take their exams,” Lokut voiced, reflecting parents’ concerns about both security and logistics.
This situation has prompted teachers’ unions to advocate for increased security. Collins Oyuu, Secretary General of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), urged the government to protect both students and teachers in these affected areas. “Exam periods should be disruption-free for everyone involved,” Oyuu asserted. Similarly, Akello Misori from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) voiced concerns, particularly about schools in Lamu, West Pokot, and Baringo. He urged the government to prioritize secure environments in these regions to ensure exams proceed smoothly.
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Meanwhile, CS Ogamba reassured the public, emphasizing that security teams actively counter potential threats. “Our team stands ready to handle challenges as they arise, ensuring every registered student completes their exams,” he affirmed.
Aside from insecurity, disciplinary cases also threaten students’ exam participation. Parents like Jack Omollo in Kakamega and Grace Amboka in Naivasha worry about school-administered suspensions. Omollo explained his son’s distress following a lengthy suspension, adding that such measures compromise students’ futures. However, Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairman Willie Kuria clarified that disciplinary cases shouldn’t prevent students from taking exams, as students maintain a contract with the Council.
As the exam season unfolds, insecurity continues to jeopardize KCSE candidates’ academic milestones. Despite efforts to ensure safety and fairness, parents and education leaders remain anxious over security and logistical concerns. Ensuring these students’ safe, undisrupted exam completion is crucial for their future and a stable Kenya.
Insecurity Threatens KCSE Candidates in Kenya’s Conflict Zones.
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