The Education ministry has audited the 406 Kenya National Examinations Council staff in a clean-up of the agency ahead of this year’s national exams.
CS Fred Matiang’i on Friday said the audit was done in partnership with intelligence agencies, to restore the credibility and integrity of the examinations.
It aimed at assessing the suitability of the officials to undertake Knec duties and stamp out leakage of national examinations.
Matiang’i said 11 directors were dismissed over mismanagement of last year’s exams that were marred by widespread cheating.
There was massive leakage of the 2015 KCSE exam that led to widespread outrage at the Knec for mishandling the tests. There was also concern over weak management systems.
Matiang’i warned head teachers against abetting cheating. He said he has taken drastic measures to restore Knec’s credibility and integrity.
“This time it is serious business. There shall be no room for cheating. We will do what is expected by the people of Kenya,” Matiang’i said.
“If you’re not interested in the welfare of our children, you have no business working with us.”
The CS added, “Next year we shall celebrate actual fruits that the candidates will reap from what they have sown.” He spoke at the Nairobi School during Prize Giving Day.
Matiang’i said the ministry proposes to spend Sh50 billion in the next financial year to support both primary and secondary school education.
He urged education officials not to steal, misappropriate, misuse or misplace resources meant for children.
The CS also condemned quack learning institutions that are “in the business of making profits”.
He referred to them as “mushrooming little things in corners” and criticised the people who set them up.
Inspectors will probe mid-level colleges and satellite university campuses. Those that do not have licences and are not up to the required standards will be closed, the CS said.
