State to deploy hi-tech security during national exams

Students during past KCSE examinations at Kisumu Boys High School. [File, Standard)

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said the government will deploy hi-tech security during the national examinations to curb irregularities.

The CS warned that stern action will be taken against anyone who will be found engaging in exam malpractices and those aiding the practice will barred from operating within the education sector.

“If you are found engaging in any exam malpractices, this time the law will take its course and you will be seriously penalised. Once we catch you in exam malpractices, you will never again be allowed to come back and work in the education sector,” he said.

He told stakeholders who will be involved in the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) to ensure exam integrity.

The CS was speaking at Siala Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre in Rongo Sub-County, Migori County on October 8, 2024 where he planted about 3,000 trees.

Moreover, Ogamba appealed to Kenyans to think about every action they take and its impact on the innocent children undertaking Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).

“If we cause tension in the sector and we expect transition, we are affecting almost 2.3 million children. They are not part and parcel of the problem. The Constitution requires us to train them and give them free education,” he said.

The CS committed to work with teachers to address challenges  facing the education sector to secure learners future.

“I am happy that the team in the education sector has agreed that we are not going to do these exams when there is noise. Everything must cool down we will do them and then we can deal with the challenges,” he said.

Ogamba blamed challenges in the sector on withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.

He revealed that the government was working to ensure that Kenya gets recognition  as a native English-speaking country internationally.

Ogamba said this would prevent Kenyans going abroad from being denied jobs in certain quarters.

“The country is not recognised as a native English-speaking country though our language of instruction is English,” he said.