Principals want exams' apparatus made cheaper

School heads have called on the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) to reduce the cost of facilitating examinations.

The heads particularly complained about the high cost of apparatus such as microscopes that are required for the biology practical. They said small schools cannot manage to purchase the apparatus and make them ready for examinations in good time. This comes as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams are in progress.

Chemelil Sugar Academy principal Charles Ogada urged the Government to provide more apparatus to institutions to create a level playing field for all schools, both public and private.

"Some schools cannot afford 10 microscopes. Some do not even have laboratories, meaning they will have a problem with the Biology paper 3," said Mr Ogada.

Other heads claimed the inclusion of microscopes in this year's examination has led to a last minute purchase of apparatus needed for the Biology paper.

Kanyamedha Mixed Secondary School principal Carolyne Oriwa said she was forced to add more microscopes on top of the five her school had.

Mrs Oriwa complained that suppliers have hiked the prices for microscopes, with one that was going for Sh10,000 few months ago now going for Sh14,000.

"It cost me Sh70, 000 to purchase another three of these to bring the number to eight," said Oriwa.

She added it is difficult to share microscopes with neighbouring schools since the examinations will be done at the same time. "Knec should set examinations that are not costly for schools," said Oriwa. But suppliers have dismissed claims of hiking the prices.