Marsabit: The Kenya primary schools' education assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya junior secondary education assessment grade nine (KJSEA) examinations commenced smoothly this morning in Marsabit County, marking the start of the national examinations season without any disruptions.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya national examinations council (KNEC) has implemented comprehensive measures, including stationing a helicopter within the county, to address any emergencies that might arise in the expansive region. Marsabit faces challenges such as poor road networks, inadequate internet connectivity, and vast distances, necessitating the airlifting of examination papers to remote areas like Illeret and Dukana.
The county director of education (CDE), Peter Magiri, reported that Marsabit has 8,514 candidates for the grade six examination across 206 centers, while 6,425 candidates are sitting for the grade nine examination in 168 centers. During the launch of the exams at the Marsabit Central distribution point, Mr. Magiri emphasized the arrangements made to ensure the examinations, including the ongoing practical papers for the Kenya certificate of secondary education (KCSE), are conducted without any irregularities.
The CDE highlighted that the favorable climatic conditions this year, compared to last year's heavy rains, have facilitated smoother distribution of examination materials. "Apart from little showers reported in Laisamis sub-county, the weather is quite favorable across the county," he remarked, adding that the government has stationed a helicopter in Marsabit for the entire examination period to assist in case of any eventuality.
Marsabit county commissioner James Kamau assured center managers and candidates of their security, stating that measures are in place to ensure the examinations are conducted in a conducive environment. Mr. Kamau emphasized the government's investment in delivering credible examinations and urged both managers and candidates to adhere to the established regulations and guidelines. He also noted with satisfaction that the examination materials were delivered to distribution points on time, ensuring a timely dispatch to examination centers today.