Gov’t on the spot as chemical in KCSE practicals harms candidates, teachers

Several KCSE candidates and teachers have been reported ill following exposure to a hazardous chemical used in the practicals for Chemistry Paper 3 on Friday last week.

While the government has since dismissed the reports, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) insists it has verified reports of examiners and students taken ill after they were exposed to xylene; one of the chemicals that were used in the exams.

The candidates were required to heat the chemical and observe the flame produced yet they were not provided with protective gear.

Addressing the media on Monday, KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori pointed out that teachers had been reported ill in Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Kiambu and Tharaka Nithi Counties following exposure to the chemical.

The teachers union said an expectant teacher, who was a supervisor at Tidae Girls High School in Kwanza, Trans Nzoia County is admitted at a medical facility in Kitale after developing complications following the exposure.

Another teacher at St. Monica Girls Kitale is admitted at Galilee Medical Centre.

Some students from the Eastern region are reported to have been hospitalised over the weekend and later discharged.

The union noted that there were other toxic chemicals used in the practicals including Sulphuric acid, Potassium, Bromine Gas and Ammonia, but their highest concerns was Xylene, which was used as an organic solvent.

From the safety data sheet of Xylene, the chemical is said to cause skin and eye irritation, may lead to death if swallowed and may damage organs such as liver, kidney and heart fertility of an unborn child.

KUPPET has also raised alarm over the cost of the chemical, which they maintain could have been substituted with a less toxic and cheaper substance.

The union claimed the Xylene used in the Chemistry practicals was supplied by a single supplier at a cost of Ksh.10,000 per litre.

Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha and Principal Secretary have dismissed the reports that students and examiners had been harmed by the chemical.

“Most of the substances we use in Chemistry are dangerous. The substance of Xylene that they are talking about is not as dangerous as chemicals such as chlorine… and these substances have been used since I was in high school,” said Magoha.

“Those people trying to make noise and dis inform the public may have expected a particular substance.”

Dr. Kipsang said: “We have not heard any formal complain. Chemistry teachers will tell you these are the same chemicals they have been using in their normal teaching processes.”