Nairobi, KENYA: The Ministry of Education has said that the dates of national examinations will remain the same as earlier scheduled.
Speaking in Nairobi on Monday, Cabinet Secretary for Education Fred Matingi after meeting with education stakeholders at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development on Monday in Nairobi, said that despite the elections being scheduled for 17 October, this will not in anyway interfere with the school exams date.
Matiang’i said the Independent Electorate and Boundaries commission IEBC has not communicated to them concerning any changes in the elections date.
He further said that,if IEBC in anyway makes changes on the date of elections, they will advice in case any of new development in due cause.
“We are prepared this year more than last time and we have been in touch with all stakeholders to ensure that all things run as expected,” Said Matiang’i.
The CS also assured students of their safety as he has been in consultation with the security personnel that will be maintaining security during the exam period.
“We have paid special attention to the security of our student,” noted Matiangi.
On the other hand, Kenya National union of Teachers KNUT secretary general Wilson Sossion who was speaking at the same event, reiterated that they are in agreement with the ministry of education for the date not to be altered with.
Sossion who is also the nominated Member of Parliament on an Orange Democratic Movement ticket, added that, education and exams of students should not be politicized in whatsoever.
He said that 20 of KNUT members will take part in monitoring of examinations, as a sure way of ascertaining transparency in the national exams.
“As KNUT we are completely satisfied with the date set for exams and again elections is a business of voters as national exams is a business of students,” Warned Sossion.
972,837 candidates are expected to sit during this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education KCSE from October 31, while 573,234 candidates to write Kenya certificate for Primary education KCPE that is scheduled to start November 3 to November 29.
