Nakuru County Commissioner Dr Lyford Kibaara has assured parents and candidates that security agencies are on high alert ahead of the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and that elaborate measures have been put in place to prevent examination malpractice.
Dr Kibaara said a multi-agency team comprising officers from the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), the National Police Service (NPS) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had been mobilised to ensure the examinations, administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), are conducted smoothly and with integrity.
He said managers at all the 480 examination centres in Nakuru County had been sensitised on the need to uphold high standards of integrity and protect the credibility of the national assessments.
"Good management of national examinations will depend on the integrity of the personnel involved in security, supervision and invigilation since they are in direct contact with the candidates. Every examination centre will be manned by at least two armed officers," he said.
Speaking in Kaptembwa Ward, he said armed security officers would also safeguard examination materials at storage facilities and during transportation. The assessments, which are part of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 26, according to the information provided by the administration.
He said the security agencies were determined to prevent cheating and other forms of interference, and urged parents, teachers and candidates to support efforts to maintain the credibility of the examinations.
Commissioner warns against FGM
Dr Kibaara also warned parents against subjecting their daughters to female genital mutilation (FGM), saying some take advantage of school holidays to engage in the outlawed practice.
He urged families to embrace alternative rites of passage that protect girls from harmful cultural practices and allow them to continue with their education. He said the government would remain vigilant to ensure no girl was subjected to FGM, warning that the practice posed risks to children's health and disrupted their education.
Security tightened ahead of festive season
The commissioner said security agencies would intensify patrols across Nakuru during the Christmas and New Year festivities to prevent crime and protect residents. He cautioned members of the public to remain alert to suspicious persons and activities and report any concerns to the police.
He warned that criminals could take advantage of the festive season to commit offences, including muggings and burglaries, but said security personnel would remain on standby around the clock to respond to reports from the public. He called on residents to help police identify crime hotspots by sharing information, noting that public cooperation would enable security commanders to deploy officers where they were most needed.
Dr Kibaara also urged parents to take an active role in supervising their children during the long school holiday, warning that inadequate guidance could expose young people to drugs, substance abuse, irresponsible sexual behaviour and criminal activities.
"This is a long holiday. We are asking parents to control their children's lives; ensure they know when they go in and out and whom they interact with. We want these children back in school in January," he said.
He added that regular communication between parents and their children was essential in identifying challenges they faced and guiding them towards responsible choices.
"Parents need to closely monitor their children during the long school holiday to protect them from falling into drug and substance abuse or engaging in irresponsible sexual behaviour. Parents play a critical role in guiding and safeguarding their children to ensure they remain focused on their education," he said.
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