The distribution of Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination papers in the volatile Soin ward at the border of Kericho and Kisumu went on without a hitch.
Soin/ Sigowet Deputy County Commissioner Josphat Mutisia said education officials and security officers did not encounter any problem as they distributed the examination papers to the candidates in primary schools in Koguta, Kapchebwai and Thessalia area.
“The candidates are currently sitting for their examination and we have provided candidates and schools maximum police protection,” said Mutisia.
Kericho County commissioner Muktar Abdi and the county security team members addressed villagers at Lellachtich village near Thessalia mission which was on Friday the scene of clash between members of the Kalenjin and the Luo community.
“The peace activities were supported by full time police presence and patrols to restore public confidence. Calm has now restored,” said Abdi.
Bureti Education director Charles Anyika said the examination had also taken of as scheduled at the Finlays tea estates.
15,000 workers at the United Kingdom based tea companies are locked in a labour dispute with their employer.
“Candidates from Bureti constituency have been performing very well in KCPE and we hope that the ongoing strike will not be allowed to interfere with candidates’ mindset,” he said
In Busia, KCPE kicked off amid concerns from provincial administration that the county has been recording low performance in the recent years.
County commissioner Michael Tialal wondered why the county has been recording low results in national examinations.
He said there was need for key players in the education sector in county government and the national government to meet and discuss about how performance can be improved.
“Busia is not among marginalized counties but I have looked at the performance in the recent years, it is not pleasing at all,” said Tialal.
Branch Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Mark Oseno agrees that stakeholders have to sit down and iron out issues contributing to unconvincing results.
Teachers are optimistic that despite prolonged politics the country has experienced pupils will still pass examinations.
Malaba Bridge International Academies Manager Silus Libese says he expects nothing but good results from his candidates.
His school produced the best candidate in last year’s KCPE examination who scored 406 marks. “We managed to prepare adequately our candidates, we are hopeful that we shall surpass the last year’s marks,” said Libese
Anne Okole, the deputy head-teacher of the At St Michael Malaba Township Anne Okole which is the biggest Examination Centre in the county with 141 candidates said their candidates are well equiped.
“We are expecting nothing but good results from our candidates,” said Okole. Deputy County Director of Education Bunyala George Owuoche appealed to parents with candidates to accord them conducive environment to enable them pass examination.
He gave an assurance that his office together with that one of the deputy county commissioner Titus Kilonzo were working hand in hand to guarantee safety of teachers and candidates.
Busia County has 21,837 KCPE candidates sitting for their exams today in 478 centres. Of the 21,837, 10,674 are boys while 11,163 girls.
