Form Four candidates at Jomo Kenyatta Boys High School in Nakuru are expected to report back to school on Friday, October 16, ahead of their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
In a notice to parents and guardians, the school said the candidates would be admitted from 8am, citing a tight admission programme and the scheduled KCSE rehearsal on the same day.
The return comes after the school reportedly experienced a strike for the second time this year, with allegations that students vandalised the computer laboratory and damaged school property before leaving.
The latest reporting instructions have raised questions among parents of candidates taking Computer Studies, who have been asked to return with personal laptops that have been formatted ahead of the practical examinations.
The directive has sparked concern among some parents over the safety of personal data stored on the computers, including work documents and other important files.
One parent questioned whether formatting the laptops was a mandatory requirement set by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), expressing concern about losing valuable files stored on the device.
However, it remains unclear whether the formatting instruction is a school-specific measure or a formal examination requirement issued by KNEC.
No confirmation has been provided to establish that all candidates sitting the Computer Studies practical examination must format their laptops.
Candidates and parents should therefore seek clarification from the school on the purpose of the directive, the scope of formatting required and whether alternative arrangements are available.
School sets conditions for candidates' readmission
The school has also directed candidates to report in full school uniform, accompanied by their official parents or guardians, and carry all personal items required during their stay.
According to the notice, full school fees and charges for damages must be cleared before admission.
Candidates have also been instructed to complete declaration forms before being accepted back into school.
Those sitting KCSE as day scholars have equally been directed to report alongside their colleagues.
School assures parents of laptop security
The school said laptops brought by Computer Studies candidates would be kept securely for use during the practical examinations and returned to students as they leave for home, although parents may collect them earlier by arrangement with the class teacher.
The directive comes as candidates prepare for the national examinations, with questions remaining over whether laptop formatting is a school precaution or a requirement under official KCSE examination guidelines.
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