The government has banned taking of photographs in KCSE examination rooms.
Early Learning and Basic Education PS Julius Jwan said the ban is meant to reduce chances of cheating and propaganda that the papers had been leaked.
“The small challenge that we have is the issue of taking photos within examination rooms. This is especially by the people who accompany us when we go to monitor the centres,” he said.
The PS spoke to the Star on Wednesday shortly after he officiated the opening of an exam container at Athi River deputy county commissioner Charles Wambugu’s office.
Wambugu alongside other government officials including Athi River subcounty police commander Anderson Njagi hosted the PS.
Jwan said those accompanying various government officials including PSs, CSs and Knec officials were fond of taking photos in examination rooms once the papers had been opened.
He said only photos of the officials inspecting whether the papers were sealed and not tampered with will be taken in the centres.
“Photographers and some of the media personnel zoom in on the candidates to show how they are praying or preparing for the exam.
"In the process, there are unscrupulous people who will start circulating the photo with claims that the exam has leaked,” Jwan said.
The PS said they had about three of such incidences on Tuesday and security officers traced and arrested the culprits.
“In Marakwet East, someone took photos after the papers were opened and circulated," he said.
Jwan said they have been compelled to completely ban photo taking in examination rooms. "No taking of photos once the papers are opened.”
He said exam managers and the multi-agencies involved in the examinations delivery exercise should be more vigilant to ensure credible examinations.
The PS said two cases of impersonation were also reported on Tuesday.
“They were arrested. But, impersonation cases are basically in private centres,” Jwan said.
He however said they don’t have major complaints as before, adding that this is one of their best years.
“But again we are also being very vigilant because we have been instructed by the appointing authority. It doesn’t want to leave the stage with distorted examinations yet we have been doing well," Jwan said.
He, however, lauded Machakos for being organised in delivering the examinations.
“There is no much pressure. Arrangements look good compared to other places I have gone to. The schools aren’t many. Distribution takes a short time and there are enough security officers,” Jwan said.
Athi River subcounty director of Education Peter Oina said there are 36 KCSE examination centres in the subcounty.
Oina said the subcounty has two containers with the other located at Joska police station along Nairobi – Kangundo road.
“Athi River has 35 public centres and a private one. There are 27 centres in Athi River while Joska has nine,” he said.
The director said they have 2,074 candidates taking the exam. 1,618 in Athi River and 456 in Joska.
He said 1,096 boys and 978 girls are sitting for the examinations.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
