Learners Safety Remains Top Priority As KCPE Exams Start

By Clinton Ochieng

Enhanced spacing between candidates in the examination room, wearing face masks, and intensified observation to check impersonation are some of the realities in this year’s national exams that start today.

It is also expected that the number of pregnant girls sitting in the exams will go up thanks to extended school closures that exposed them to sexual activities.

Moderating the tests to factor in the time lost by learners due to the closure of schools following the outbreak of coronavirus is another challenge the government must meet to avoid mass failures in the tests.

The safety of learners and the personnel managing the examinations remain a top priority. This comes after the hope of vaccinating all teachers before the start of the exams failed which pushed the government to tighten compliance of health protocols.

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Knut Secretary-General Wilson Sossion called on Kenyans to support the delivery of credible national exams. “We wish candidates good health and success. We assure them of our support as they write the exams in the extraordinary circumstances of Covid-19,” said Sossion.

Meanwhile, Knec has acknowledged logistical challenges in the national tests. In its report on preparedness for the administration of the 2020 exams, Knec cites the Covid-19 pandemic and the annual long rains as some of the challenges they face.