Nyanza Regional Commissioner Onesmus Musyoki Kyatha has warned candidates, teachers and parents against exam malpractice in the ongoing Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) in the region.
Speaking at a media briefing at his office in Kisumu, Kyatha said "The long arm of the law will catch anyone found culpable". He urged all stakeholders to carry out the assessments, which began on Monday, with integrity and accountability.
"This integrity should be engraved in the hearts of everyone. We will ensure that our candidates, including those set to sit for the upcoming KCSE examinations, do so with ease and without interference," he said.
He said the government has adopted a united, multi-agency approach to ensure a smooth process. "We are supporting the agencies so that they can carry out their mandate and administer the exams as stipulated by the laws of this country," he added.
Kyatha said reports so far show that everything is running smoothly. "We have not had major challenges; weather has not affected delivery, and exams are being delivered on time," he said.
He appealed to the public to keep the peace to allow candidates to sit the assessments without disruption. He called for a supportive environment at family, institutional and community levels, noting that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will run for an extended period. "As a regional security team, we will ensure peace and stability," he said.
Asked about isolated cases of teen pregnancy among candidates, Kyatha said there are mechanisms to make sure affected learners sit their papers.
"There are always mechanisms for even helping them sit. We are always very flexible, and the laws and guidelines are properly provided. There should be no worry or fear. That is why officers are properly briefed by the Ministry of Education and KNEC," he said.
"These are our children. The mechanisms are properly laid down, consultations go up to the national level," he added.
He cautioned parents and candidates against seeking shortcuts. "There should be no shortcuts. If they are prepared adequately, they will pass. It is not a matter of do or die. There are many other avenues," he said.
He said the culture of assisting candidates through unauthorised means must stop. "We know in the past there have been isolated cases where individuals tried to use unauthorised ways to access examinations. That is unlawful. That culture of assisting candidates must be stopped," he said.
"The government has a very long hand. We are watching very closely what is happening within the region. KNEC is with us, supporting us, and we will make sure that nobody tampers with these examinations. If you do it, be prepared to face the consequences, and the consequences will not be fair," he warned.
"We need to inculcate honesty, dignity and character in our children. They have been prepared for the last four years, so why should someone take a shortcut?" he asked.
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