Heavy Gunfire Disrupts KCPE Exams in Two Schools

KCPE candidates during a past rehearsal
KCPE candidates during a past rehearsal
File

Candidates sitting the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams in two different schools were on Monday, March 7,  forced to abandon the national test after gunmen launched attacks near the examination centres. 

A group of armed bandits launched attacks in Kapkusum in Muchongoi, Baringo County.

The exchange of fire between the gunmen and security forces was still ongoing at the time of publishing this story. However, no casualties were recorded in the schools.

A gun-carrying bandit
An undated image of a gun-carrying bandit.
Photo: KDF

Karnee Primary School is an examination centre hosting more than 80 candidates including its own and those from Kapkechir Primary School. The candidates are from the former and they were being guarded by two police officers.

Gunshots rung in the air as area residents in the area have fled their homes. They are currently converging Motongoi Centre as they wait to move to a safer region.

According to the area County Commissioner, officers from the General Service Unit (GSU). However, there is a likelihood that the students will be moved to another centre.

The attack comes despite an assurance from the Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha and the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Mohammed Maalim assured that security would be beefed up in the areas.

On Sunday, the Rift Valley Commissioner announced that the state would give KCPE candidates in  Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo Counties, food and accommodation during the three-day examination period.

He noted that some of the day schools would be used to host the candidates to reduce their movements during the period and assist security agents to monitor them.

Maalim gave his word to parents that no candidate in the area would miss out on the national paper due to insecurity. He further expressed regret of how school-going children were introduced to cattle rustling and banditry.

"It is unfortunate that young children are used as cattle rustlers instead of being in school, something that should not be encouraged during this era,” stated Mohammed.

The Rift Valley Boss asked parents in the region to cooperate with the local authorities and leaders o help boost schtool intake in the region.

File Photo of Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Mohamed Maalim
Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Mohamed Maalim held a peace meeting in Loruk, Baringo North-Tiaty border on Thursday, March 3, 2022.
The Star
Joseph Kangogo

 

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