TESO NORTH: Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has reported a limited number of exam malpractices in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, resulting in the dismissal of nine centre managers. While inspecting the exams at Kolanya Girls in Teso North Sub County, Machogu noted that 28 cases of malpractice involving 46 students had been detected across the country, along with the confiscation of nine phones with suspected examination material.
According to Kenya News Agency, The Education CS emphasized the government’s commitment to securing the exams, stating, “Our multi-agency approach is ensuring the integrity of these exams, despite a few isolated incidents.” He issued a stern warning against any attempt to cheat, assuring that perpetrators would face legal consequences.
Machogu acknowledged the strain on schools due to the government’s 100% transition policy, which aims to provide equal educational opportunities to all children in Kenya. He highlighted the government’s efforts to alleviate these challenges, including the recent employment of over 30,000 teachers to improve the teacher-student ratio.
Regarding the placement of students who have completed the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), Machogu assured parents that their children would be admitted to secondary schools based on their performance and capabilities. “We expect to release the KCPE results before the end of the month, ensuring all candidates’ transition to secondary education,” he added.
During his visit, Machogu also commissioned a school bus and donated over 100 computers to Chamasiri Technical Training College. Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, accompanying the CS, highlighted the need for more teachers in the sub-county and pointed out the administrative challenges in local schools lacking headteachers and deputies.