Fred Matiang'i efforts need to be supported

The Ministry of Education has put in place far-reaching measures aimed at dealing with exam cheating around the country.

These measures include entrusting school heads with the collection and returning of exam papers and the introduction of water mark codes on the papers.

Indeed, the kind of cheating that was witnessed last year was unprecedented, with exam papers being leaked days before the actual exam day.

The country is quickly coming to terms with the reality of the increasing number of graduates who can hardly demonstrate any knowledge and skills in spite of the superb grades appearing on their academic certificates.

The overriding consequence of this unscrupulous trend in the education system is that the country is faced with a dire mismatch between our educational output and the economic development needs.

This makes it hard for the country to reap the desired economic returns from the education sector and that is why something needs to be done to stop our education sector from going to the dogs.

I strongly believe by vowing to deal with cheating in this year's national exams, Dr. Matiang'i has set off on the right road of reforming the education system.

Integrity in these examinations will restore confidence in our education system and go a long way in ensuring that the country benefits from efficiently-trained human capital that can be relied on to drive our economy.

The CS seeks to reclaim Kenya's status as an academic giant in the East African region. Therefore, restoring confidence in national exams will translate into redeeming the whole system from rot.

That is why the CS needs support from all the stakeholders in the education sector, including teachers.