Coast Region Takes Strides in National Exam Preparations Amid Insecurity Concerns
Mombasa, Kenya—As the country gears up for crucial national exams, Coast region demonstrates robust preparation and security measures.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Regional Director of Education, the examinations have commenced without a hitch, even amid concerns over security in Lamu County due to the Al-Shabaab insurgency. Kangogo stated that security forces have restored tranquility in the volatile parts of Lamu, and the area has been peaceful in recent weeks.
Kangogo reassured that the security committee is on high alert for any unexpected challenges. Plans are in place to relocate affected centers to safer zones if necessary. Despite ongoing rains, Kangogo emphasized that they do not foresee any disruptions that would impact the exams. In case of such an event, choppers would be requested from the Ministry of Education headquarters to transport examination papers to areas that are inaccessible by road.
The Ministry of Education is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Interior, and vehicles from both national and county governments are designated to distribute exams across all centers. The region is equipped with 53 examination containers serving 2,019 KCPE and 2,472 KPSEA centers. The Coast region has 125,296 candidates for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and 137,945 for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
In Mombasa County, the local Director of Education James Gachungi and County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa urged examination officials and administrators to maintain diligence and integrity, respectively. Deputy County Commissioner Ms. Milka Kariuki noted that a multiagency security team has put measures in place to ensure the safety of all 815 examination centers in the 12 Sub Counties, which will host a total of 82,279 KCPE and KPSEA candidates. Officials also cautioned exam invigilators against using or carrying phones in the examination rooms.
This year’s exams hold particular significance as they will be the final KCPE examinations under the current 8-4-4 system, making way for the 2-6-6-3 Competency-Based Curriculum. Additionally, there has been a 10% increase in the number of candidates compared to November 2022, totaling 7,708 more candidates. The number of examination centers also saw an increase, rising from 804 in 2022 to 815 in 2023.