More than 100 school children in 14 districts across the Rift Valley have been put on red alert for exam cheating as they prepare for national exams.
Students will sit for the Kenya Primary School Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams in the coming months.
Addressing a meeting of the regional security and intelligence committee, Rift Valley regional commissioner Maalim Mohammed said they received information about the school.
“We know which schools are popular and while we are not punishing them now, they are on our radar during this testing period,” the teacher said.
According to the teacher, intelligence reports received indicate that some schools are planning to cheat during the exams.
However, he said they will take steps to prevent exam cheating and arrest and punish those responsible.
“We are looking at all schools, but we will pay more attention to schools that are on our radar. We will also ensure compliance with Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) regulations,” he said.
Although teachers noted that security has improved, three schools in Baringo South, Baringo County, will be forced to consolidate during the trial period.
Students sitting for KCPE and KPSEA at Arab and Kapindasum Primary School had to sit their exams at Chemorongion Primary School after vandals vandalized the two schools, destroying classrooms and burning furniture and books.
“We will ensure the protection of students during exams. “Each school will have two security guards to monitor them,” the teacher said, adding that schools will be rebuilt during the holidays.
The security team also plans to use National Police Reservists (NPR) to increase security during the trial.
The government is also planning a feeding program for students in drought-prone areas in Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, West Pokot and Turkana counties invaded by intense drought.