60,000 security agents mobilised to ensure credibility of national exams.
The government has implemented a significant security operation, deploying over 60,000 security personnel nationwide to safeguard national examination centers and maintain the integrity of the exams.
The security forces involved in this operation comprise officers from the National Police Service (NPS) and National Government Administration Officials (NGAOs).
Their primary responsibilities include overseeing the examination containers and ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and supervisors throughout the entire duration of the national exams.
These examinations encompass the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations (KCSE), the Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations (KCPE), and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
This year’s exams will involve more than 3.5 million candidates and will take place from October 30 to November 24.
Among these candidates, 1.4 million will be taking the KCPE, 1.2 million the KAPSEA, and 903,260 will be sitting for the KCSE.
The Principal Secretary of Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, has revealed that the government has established Command and Communication centers at the national and regional levels to closely monitor and supervise the examination process for a seamless operation.
Omollo emphasized the Ministry of Interior’s vital role in coordinating, providing logistics, and maintaining 24-hour security for the exams, supporting the Ministry of Education.
To prevent potential exam leaks, Omollo announced that all examination containers will be placed in NGAO offices and guarded by security personnel round the clock.
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He called upon all parties involved in the management and oversight of national examinations, as well as the candidates, to adhere to the rule of law and the regulations of the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).
Furthermore, the Internal Security PS issued a stern warning to those planning to engage in exam impersonation, making it clear that such actions would result in legal consequences.
To counter technology-enabled cheating, the government prohibited the use of mobile phones near examination centers and cautioned against the use of social media platforms to distribute fake exam materials.
As a preventive measure, the government will actively monitor these platforms, with legal consequences for false publications and fraudulent use of electronic devices.
In case of security threats during the exam period, the PS mentioned that County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSIC) and Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committees (SCSIC) have devised contingency plans.
These plans also include preparedness for natural disasters like flooding, particularly in regions prone to heavy rainfall, such as Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, North Eastern, and Coast.
Evacuation centers will be designated as examination centers if needed, and both ground and aerial support will be available for areas that may become inaccessible due to heavy rains.
The Disaster committees will also closely monitor roads, electricity, and buildings in examination centers throughout the examination period.
The Internal Security PS commended the NGAOs for their efforts in ensuring compliance with the government’s 100 percent school transition policy.
With these comprehensive plans in place, he expressed confidence that the national examinations would be conducted smoothly and credibly with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
60,000 security agents mobilised to ensure credibility of national exams
