Gucha: All school heads from Gucha Sub-county convened at Tendere Secondary School Hall for this year's national examination briefing, where Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) officials affirmed the Council's readiness to conduct a smooth and secure assessment exercise.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event, spearheaded by KNEC officers Dr. Kennedy Okemwa and Pauline Aghah, outlined key details about the upcoming examinations. It was noted that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) would commence on October 21, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) on October 24, and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) on October 27.
Dr. Okemwa assured teachers that all logistics had been finalized, emphasizing KNEC's commitment to transparency and efficiency throughout the examination period. He reminded educators that under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, the goal is not merely to test learners but to assess their individual talents and abilities.
The Sub-county TSC Director Pamela Magunga urged teachers to uphold integrity during the period, adding that those new to the examination process would receive adequate guidance. 'Most of you are already familiar with this duty, and for the few who are not, rest assured you will be supported accordingly,' the director noted.
On matters of security, Gucha OCPD Charles Arap Rono assured participants that adequate measures had been put in place and that police officers were fully prepared to secure all exam centres and the container. Okemwa however stressed that no armed security personnel would be deployed at KPSEA and KJSEA centres unless in areas prone to insecurity, marking a shift from previous practices during KCPE and KCSE examinations.
The sub-county will host 23 centre managers and 23 supervisors for KCSE, and 49 centre managers and 49 supervisors each for KPSEA and KJSEA. Teachers were urged to maintain cleanliness within examination centres to provide a conducive environment for candidates.
Exam materials will be dispatched from the secure containers at 6:00 a.m. for KPSEA and KJSEA, and at 7:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for KCSE morning and afternoon sessions respectively. Each container will contain OMR forms, OMR instructions, return cover sheets, transparent return polythene bags, question papers, and answer sheets.
In case of emergencies, KNEC officials provided the toll-free contact number 0800 724 900, and advised that teachers may also reach out to their respective Sub-county Directors of Education for assistance.