Busia: Busia County Director of Education (CDE) James Ekalio has assured that measures are in place to prevent exam malpractices as the county adopts a multi-agency approach to supervise the ongoing national exams. Ekalio, speaking at Amagoro during the opening of morning exams, emphasized strict adherence to procedures regarding phone use and restricted access to exam centers.
According to Kenya News Agency, all 167 exam centers in Busia County are prepared for the exams, with measures to ensure fairness for the 20,000 students participating. The director highlighted that there are 10,066 girls and 9,608 boys sitting for this year’s exams, with a slight increase in female candidates. In private schools, 173 boys and 153 girls are taking the exams.
Ekalio led the education team in opening the exam container for Teso North Sub County, which serves 3,157 students from 31 centers. The exams commenced with English Paper One and were followed by Chemistry Paper One in the afternoon. He reiterated the importance
of strict procedures for phone use and limited personnel in exam centers.
Additionally, Ekalio stated that all supervisors received training to minimize exam malpractices, and security officers, including the County Commissioner and County Police Commander, are tasked with maintaining order. The multi-agency team is committed to ensuring the integrity of the exam process.
Meanwhile, KUPPET Busia County Executive Secretary Moffats Okisai supported these efforts, emphasizing the need for a malpractice-free exam environment and urging students to avoid distractions. Okisai also called for improved remuneration for teachers, particularly the Sh600 per day payment for center managers, and advocated for fair compensation for contracted Council officers.
The opening of the exam container was witnessed by Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Gitae, police boss Charles Chepkonga, his Deputy Nicholas Kibet, Sub County director of education Elizabeth Marangach, and multi-agency security officers from the sub county.