KIKUYU: Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary, Dr Raymond Omollo, has today officiated the opening of a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination container at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Kikuyu, marking the start of this year’s national exams. Dr Omollo, who also observed the commencement of the KCSE exams at Alliance Girls High School in Kiambu County, underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring a safe and fair exam period.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr Omollo addressed education officials and local administrators, emphasizing the role of security in maintaining integrity throughout the examination process. He assured those present of the security sector’s support, highlighting that no major security incidents have been reported so far and expressing optimism for a smooth examination period.
The Principal Secretary further highlighted the government’s prioritization of education in the national budget, stating, “The government has in
vested a lot in education. Actually, education has the biggest budget line in this country. This shows how much His Excellency President Ruto values education and the role it has in changing this country.”
The KCSE exam container, stationed at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Kikuyu, is one of several secure storage facilities established nationwide to store and distribute examination materials. These containers are under constant surveillance and accessible only to authorized officials, aiming to prevent exam malpractice and improve logistical efficiency in handling exam materials.
Dr Omollo’s visit to Alliance Girls High School provided him the opportunity to witness the exam’s kick-off firsthand. He praised the school’s administration for its thorough preparations and encouraged students to remain calm and focused throughout the examination period.
This year, over 950,000 candidates across the country are expected to sit for the KCSE exams, an increase from 2023, when 903,138 candidates regist
ered. The Ministry of Education and security agencies are collaborating closely to monitor exam centres and address any emerging challenges.
The national examinations begin with English and Chemistry papers, with the exercise set to conclude on November 22, 2024. Deputy County Commissioner for Kikuyu Sub-County, Charles Laboso, along with County education officials, expressed their commitment to upholding examination guidelines, reassuring parents, students, and the public of a seamless process.