Embu: The Ministry of Education has decried a surge in cases of pregnant candidates who sat this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (KCSE). Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang highlighted the increasing incidences of girls taking exams from hospitals after giving birth as a concerning trend that could negatively impact female education if not addressed promptly.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kipsang, speaking in Manyatta Constituency, Embu, during a supervision visit for the construction of Grade 9 classes, emphasized that teenage pregnancies are a societal issue rather than the victim’s fault. He pointed out the failure of adults in protecting young girls from early exposure to sexual activities, with adults often being the perpetrators.
Kipsang expressed concern, stating, “Our biggest problem is us adults, and if we resolve to say we will protect the girl child, then we shall not have this problem.” He further noted that most cases of exam cheating, similar to the
issue of pregnancies, are orchestrated by adults who provide candidates with phones, share exam photographs, or attempt to sneak answers to them.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is progressing towards ensuring adequate infrastructure for the commencement of Grade 9 education in January. Kipsang announced that, with government and development partner support, the Ministry is set to deliver 11,000 classrooms for Grade 9 students. Additionally, the National Assembly, through NG-CDF, will provide an extra 7,000 classes following a government grant of Sh3.4 billion to CDF.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji confirmed successful collaboration with the Ministry to match classroom construction on a one-to-one basis for a smooth transition to Grade 9. Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chairman Jamleck Muturi stated that besides hiring more teachers, they are retooling existing staff to equip them with the necessary skills to handle learners effectively.