Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed concern over what he termed as declining education performance in national examinations in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Murkomen said the county, which was known for producing sterling performance in national examinations in both primary and secondary schools, has slipped from its academic glory.
Speaking at Chepsirei Technical Training Institute in Keiyo South, the CS said the county recorded poor results in the KCSE examination, with the majority of schools registering students with grade E.
Murkomen singled out Keiyo South Sub-county, which alone posted 170 Es in last year’s exam, describing the situation as disturbing.
“We cannot continue watching our children fail like this. Education is the only equaliser and we must protect it,” he said.
Underscoring the role of parents in boosting academic excellence, the CS called on them to take a more active role in supporting the education of their children, noting that government efforts alone will not turn around the performance.
In a bid to elevate performance standards, the CS revealed that strategies had been put in place to improve examination results, including engaging school alumni to mentor learners and support schools.
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“We are bringing on board old students to motivate candidates and help address the gaps in our schools,” Murkomen said.
He urged teachers, parents and community leaders to work together to reverse the trend and restore academic excellence in the region.
Murkomen further said the government has eradicated obstacles that derailed learning in the county, including insecurity along the Kerio Valley and the sale of drugs and substances.
By Philemon Kiprop
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