28 students arrested in night clubs as KCPE, KPSEA exams gather steam

By Musyoka Kaleti

Police in Embu county have arrested 28 high school students after they were found in night clubs in Runyenjes town, Embu East sub county.

While confirming the incident, the sub county Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Jane Waruige said that some of the the 21 boys and 7 girls were Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates.

She said the minors, aged between 13 and 18 years were partying in various entertainment joints.

They were held at Runyenjes Police Station, interrogated and handed over to their parents pending counseling.

She warned bar operators that they risk closure of their establishments if they continue selling alcohol to school going children.

The County experienced a smooth start during the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination which kicked off yesterday.

The County Commissioner Stephen Kihara for the second day led a multi-agency team to supervise exam material distribution.

While addressing the press at his office, an exam distribution centre in Embu West, he said security had been beefed up in all exam centres across the county to ensure smooth running of the exam.

“Today we came here to supervise distribution of exam materials. We have laid down all mechanisms to curb exam irregularities and all manner of malpractices,” said Kihara.

Embu County Director of Education Fridah Kangwiria urged all the candidates to ensure they report to school and take their exams.

She assured them that none will miss the exams since the Ministry has installed an emergency transport system to ferry the exams in case of adverse weather and other challenges.

“The ministry is well prepared to ensure the exercise flows smoothly as planned. What we request from the public is to give our children a conducive environment to write their exams,” Kangwiria said.

“We shall not tolerate any form of activity that may jeopardize exam administration,” she added.

15,120 candidates will be sitting for KCPE while 13,404 will sit for Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams in the county.

Embu North Deputy County Commissioner William Owino urged exam supervisors to remain sober.