Over 8,000 students to sit National examinations in Lamu amid challenges

With great anticipation and determination, more than 8,000 students in Lamu County have embarked on their national examinations, including the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams.

The exams, seen as a crucial milestone in their academic journey, are being conducted amidst unique circumstances and challenges.

Lamu County Commissioner, Luis Rono, expressed satisfaction with the successful dispatch of examination materials to various parts of the county, including the border town of Kiunga in the Boni Forest.

Speaking at the exam's opening, Rono assured teachers and candidates of their safety within the school premises.

He also issued a stern warning to those planning to cheat in the examinations, stating that they will face appropriate consequences.

''We have dispatched the examinations to all centres, and I want to assure you of your safety during this period. Those who think they can cheat or aid cheating be warned, the law will take it course,'' said Rono. 

At Hindi Primary School, which serves as a center for KPSEA and KCPE examinations, the number of candidates was slightly lower than expected.

Out of the 103 students who registered earlier this year, only 100 turned up for the exams. The school's headteacher, Ms. Malika Kofa, cited cases of early pregnancies and negligence by parents as one of the reasons for some students missing the exams.

Additionally, one girl who was set to sit for the KPSEA examination did not show up after her family relocated to another part of the country.

''I have three candidates for KCPE who have not turned up and one for KPSEA some of the student their families have relocated but others are now young mothers and this is one of the major challenges here," said Ms. Kofa.

A few kilometers away, at Mokowe Arid Zone, the only boarding primary school in the county, three schools - Bargoni Primary, Bodhei Primary, and Boraimani Primary School - were accommodated for the final examinations.

Bargoni Primary had to relocate its candidates due to concerns over the El Niño rains, which could have potentially cut off the road between Hindi and Bargoni.

Bodhei Primary had a low number of students, making it unsuitable as an examination center. Similarly, Boraimani Primary School faced similar challenges.

''We have Accommodated Three schools here for both KCPE and KPSEA Examination due to various reasons that the committee for security and other multi-agency thought its suitable for them be hosted here," said Mzee Joseph H/Tr Mkw Arid zone. 

In the island of Lamu, a unique situation arose when a student from Manda Primary School had to sit for her KPSEA examination in a police station.

This measure was taken to ensure her safety and prevent her from going missing, as she had done so twice before. Authorities made the decision after apprehending the student's mother, who was suspected of aiding her disappearance.

''We have one candidate who will sit for her exams in a police custody because we want to prevent so that she can finish her exams she went missing twice and releasing to go do examination in school she might use that opportunity to disappear again,'' said Rono. 

Lamu County Commander, William Samoe, urged all security officers involved in the examination process to remain vigilant and refrain from using their mobile phones, as distractions could compromise the security of the exams.

He emphasised that security has been significantly reinforced, and no incidents have been reported thus far.

''I have briefed my officers and we have learnt from the previous mistakes so what I will assure you is that everything will go as planned, '' said William Samoe, the Lamu County Commander.

As Lamu County embarks on these national examinations, the students, teachers, and authorities face unique challenges and circumstances.

However, with heightened security measures in place and the determination of all involved, it is hoped that these exams will be conducted smoothly and provide the students with a fair opportunity to showcase their abilities and achieve their academic aspirations.