CS Amina appears before MPs, outlines security measures for exams

Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has assured the nation that her ministry is well prepared to manage the forthcoming national examinations.

The CS appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Education of the National Assembly on Tuesday.

She took the hot seat to first lay out the plan to ensure security and integrity of both the KCPE and KCSE examinations.

Top on the list of concerns was what would happen to the over 4000 candidates recently displaced in the Kibra demolitions and those caught  in bandit prone areas like Narok and Lamu.

“We have conducted continuous consultative meetings with the Ministry of Interior and other security agencies to ensure seamless coordination and delivery of the 2018 national examinations,” said Ms. Amina.

She also revealed that the government has set aside Ksh. 4.2 billion for the administration of the examination process, Ksh.3.3 billion of which will be released by the end of this week.

The CS also added that the ministry had acquired 40 new examination containers to enhance the security of the exam materials.

“The only time these learners will see the papers is when they walk into the exam room… that’s why we have been appealing to parents not to provide resources for the purchase of fake papers from conmen and women,” she stated.

About 1.7 million candidates will sit the examinations this year. Standard 8 candidates will begin their examinations on October 30 while those in Form Four will write their papers as from November 5. Practicals will, however, commence on October 23.