CS Machogu says Education ministry to probe death of five KCPE candidates

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu. [File, Standard]

The Ministry of Education has launched investigations into the death of five candidates and one injury after a drowning incident in Tarakwa, Uasin Gishu County.

The five candidates from Arap Moi Primary School were scheduled to sit for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations.

The Saturday, October 28, incident also left a Grade Six pupil with injuries in a hospital bed.

According to a statement by Education CS Ezekiel Machogu on Sunday, October 29, relevant authorities have launched investigations into the incident, to establish what went wrong.

The CS has also urged parents and guardians of candidates sitting for national examinations this year to ensure their safety during the exam period.

"It is with profound shock and sadness that I received the news of the horrific tragedy in which five Standard Eight candidates from Arap Moi Primary School in Tarakwa, Uasin Gishu County, drowned on Saturday, 28th October, 2023. It is regrettable that we lost the candidates just two days before they could sit their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education that starts tomorrow." CS Machogu's statement reads in part.

"In the meantime, I am working closely with my counterpart in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, to ensure thorough and conclusive investigations are conducted into the unfortunate incident. Appropriate action will be taken on the basis of the findings of the investigations. Teachers, parents and guardians are advised to avoid exposing learners to risky activities and environments, especially during the national examinations season." He adds.

On Monday, October 30, KCPE candidates are scheduled to sit for their first two papers; Mathematics and, English Grammar and Writing.

The examinations will end on Wednesday, pavin g way for the month-long secondary school national exams, KCSE.