Machogu: State to pay examiners next week

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu presides over the inaugural Educational Day for Manyatta sub-County. [Murithi Mugo, Standard]

Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) examiners will be paid by next week, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has said.

Speaking at Kangaru School in Embu County during the inaugural Educational Day for Manyatta sub-County, Machogu said Sh2 million had been set aside, following the president's directive that the examiners be paid.

He added that the government will ensure that all outstanding dues to Knec examiners and suppliers are settled.

"Moving forward, the ministry will prioritise prompt payment to examiners to avoid delays again. These delays were occasioned by a cash crunch at the council, which has been sorted out," he said.

Machogu also said the government had started paying contractors for the construction of the 1,950 Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) classes to the tune of Sh2.5 billion.

"Those who have not received their dues yet should consult and liaise with their County Directors of Education," he said.

He noted the government had approached the World Bank to sponsor and aid in the construction and equipping of laboratories for Junior Secondary Schools.

"One of the reasons we have embraced the CBC system is to align ourselves with the international standards, and we will overcome the few challenges that we are facing," Machogu said.

He hailed the Education program initiated by the Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji that will see learners in secondary school given guidance and counselling by various stakeholders and professionals.

"This will be a game changer in shaping the future career paths of these young minds," Machogu said.

Mukunji, who is rooting for return to ranking of schools, said the Education programme would be an annual event that to award best performing schools and students academically.

"The ranking of schools in national examinations will bring back the spirit of competition, which is good for learners," he noted.

He further said he had initiated a digitization programme in all public primary and secondary schools to make learners tech-savvy early in life, which will also expose them to the world of online jobs.

Other leaders present during the occasion were Eala MP Godfrey Maina and Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe.