By: Cynthia Masibo
Worth Noting:
- The KCSE exams, which mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s education calendar, will be conducted under heightened security and scrutiny this year. With nearly 900,000 students sitting for the exams across the country, the government has deployed security officers and put in place strict measures to curb cheating and any other malpractices.
- This year’s KCSE exams are set to run smoothly and transparently, according to Dr. Omollo, who reiterated the Ministry of Education’s zero-tolerance policy towards examination fraud.
- At Alliance Girls’ High School, Omollo addressed students, offering words of encouragement and underscoring the value of honesty and hard work.
The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Raymond Omollo, yesterday underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring integrity and security in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. As part of the entire government’s approach, he personally participated in the opening of the examination container at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, before proceeding to Alliance Girls’ High School, where he officially inaugurated the start of this year’s exams.
Speaking to officials gathered at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office, Dr. Omollo emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of integrity and vigilance throughout the examination period. He noted that securing the national exams is not just a logistical task but a concerted effort to safeguard the future of Kenya’s youth and the credibility of its education system. “We are here to ensure that all procedures are strictly followed, from the opening of the containers to the distribution of examination papers. This is a critical responsibility that requires coordination across government departments,” he remarked.
The KCSE exams, which mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s education calendar, will be conducted under heightened security and scrutiny this year. With nearly 900,000 students sitting for the exams across the country, the government has deployed security officers and put in place strict measures to curb cheating and any other malpractices. This year’s KCSE exams are set to run smoothly and transparently, according to Dr. Omollo, who reiterated the Ministry of Education’s zero-tolerance policy towards examination fraud.
At Alliance Girls’ High School, Omollo addressed students, offering words of encouragement and underscoring the value of honesty and hard work. “Today marks the beginning of an important journey for each of you, one that is built on integrity and resilience,” he told the students, urging them to focus on achieving their best results through honest effort. His visit to the school also highlighted the government’s emphasis on ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of location or school status.
The government’s Whole of Government Approach aims to bring together various agencies and departments to tackle issues holistically, ensuring seamless coordination in processes such as the KCSE examinations. This year, the approach has been applied more extensively, bringing together the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Interior, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and other relevant bodies to create a safe and conducive examination environment. Overseeing the entire process is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering accountability and trust in national institutions.
In addition to enhanced security, Dr. Omollo highlighted the importance of ensuring that the examination experience remains positive and fair for all students. “Examinations should be a reflection of our commitment to education and excellence, and we will spare no effort in making sure they proceed in the most orderly way,” he added.
As the exams continue, the government is expected to monitor each phase closely, with designated officers stationed across counties to oversee the secure and equitable distribution of examination materials. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has also assured the public of its readiness to address any challenges that may arise during the exam period, stressing that there will be regular reports on the progress of the exams.
With the opening of the exams now complete, Dr. Omollo’s visit to Kikuyu serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility between the government, educators, and students in upholding Kenya’s educational standards. As students sit for their exams in the coming weeks, all eyes are on the integrity of the process and the promise of a fair future based on merit and hard work.
