The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has engaged helicopter services to ferry examination materials and personnel to examination centres in Pokot North, West Pokot County, after heavy rains triggered flooding, destroyed bridges and disrupted road transport in several parts of the region.
The intervention is meant to ensure that candidates sitting the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are not disadvantaged by extreme weather and the logistical challenges facing communities in remote parts of the country.
The heavy downpour has caused rivers to burst their banks, washed away footbridges and damaged farms and fences. Some families have been left counting losses after their homes were destroyed by heavy rain and strong winds.
One of the most affected areas is Ngotut, where the Kanyang'areng River burst its banks at the temporary bridge, disrupting movement and making it difficult to transport examination materials and personnel through the usual road network.
With normal transport routes compromised, KNEC has turned to helicopters to maintain the delivery of examination materials and the movement of authorised examination personnel. The airlifting has been particularly important for centres whose accessibility has been affected by the flooding.
Korpu Boys, Kangoletiang Girls and Kapchok Girls are among the schools affected, with examination materials destined for the centres having to be airlifted.
The damage has extended beyond the Kanyang'areng River crossing. In Tandapos, Riwo Ward, the Rupogh footbridge was reportedly swept away, complicating movement for residents who depend on it to access essential services.
Along River Suam, farms and fences have also been washed away, threatening agricultural livelihoods and exposing families to further economic losses should the heavy rains persist. Some households have reported the destruction of their homes after the downpour and strong winds, raising concern about the safety and welfare of residents as the rainy conditions continue.
The flooding has exposed the vulnerability of rural infrastructure in Pokot North, where temporary bridges, footbridges and river crossings remain critical links between villages, schools, markets and health facilities.
KNEC's priority is to maintain continuity in the administration of the examinations while ensuring that materials and personnel reach their designated destinations under the required security arrangements. The council's decision to use helicopters is aimed at protecting the examination process so that learners do not pay the price for circumstances beyond their control.
The situation calls for a response beyond the examination sector, including an assessment of the extent of the destruction, assistance to families whose homes have been affected, restoration of damaged crossings and safer alternative routes for residents. Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid attempting to cross flooded rivers and waterways, which can become dangerous within minutes after heavy rainfall.
For Pokot North, the immediate challenge is protecting lives, restoring connectivity and supporting affected households. For KCSE candidates, KNEC's intervention offers assurance that the floods will not deny them the opportunity to complete their examinations.
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