As more than 3.4 million learners across Kenya begin their national examinations this week, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has urged vigilance against exam malpractice to preserve the integrity of the process.
In Taita Taveta County, KNUT Executive Secretary Lenox Mshila called on teachers, parents, and candidates to uphold honesty and discipline during the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
Speaking to Education News, Mshila cautioned candidates against falling for fraudsters circulating fake examination materials, particularly online and on social media.
“In this county, we have not had cases of exam malpractice and we want it to remain that way. Candidates should stay alert and avoid falling prey to anyone trying to deceive them,” he said, adding that, “Exams must be done based on what the learners have been taught, without shortcuts.”
Mshila expressed confidence in the readiness of both teachers and students, commending the effort made throughout the academic year.
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He noted that despite occasional challenges with teaching materials and staffing shortages in some schools, learners had received adequate time and guidance to prepare.
“Even though a number of schools have experienced shortages of teachers or learning materials, we believe candidates have prepared well and we expect improved results comparable to other regions,” he said.
He further emphasized that the success of candidates would contribute not only to their personal growth but also to the development and reputation of Taita Taveta County.
“When they succeed, they transform their own lives and also uplift the status of the county,” he added, encouraging candidates to remain calm and approach the examinations with confidence.
In Taita Taveta county, a total of 8,444 candidates are sitting for the Kenya Primary School Assessment (KPSEA), 7287 candidates are sitting for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and a total of 7857 candidates are sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
Nationally, this year’s test involves 3,424,836 learners across Grade 6, Grade 9 and form 4.
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This includes 1,298,089 candidates for the KPSEA, 1,130,669 candidates for the KJSEA and 996, 078 candidates for KCSE.
With schools now closed for the long holiday, the KNUT official also urged parents to be more involved in guiding and supervising their children during this period.
He cautioned that idle time and lack of support could expose young people to risky behaviour.
“Parents should ensure their children are engaged in productive activities while at home, to avoid idleness that might push them into negative influences,” he said, noting the growing concern over drug abuse among youth in the county.
Mshila added that the extended holiday period presents heightened risk, calling on families and community members to work together to protect learners as they wait for the next academic phase.
He also extended his best wishes to all candidates sitting for the national examinations and encouraged them to maintain focus until the final paper.
By Michael Oduor
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