Education CS Fred Matiang'i has taken bold and timely steps to reform the sector, MPs and leaders of teachers unions have said after the dissolution of the Knec board.
The board of the Kenya National Examinations Council was over irregularities in the 2015 KCPE and KCSE.
Matiang'i efforts were recognised on Sunday during prize giving at Nyambaria Boys' High School in Kitutu Masaba constituency. The school was among the country's top performers.
"You have been nicknamed the Magufuli of Kenya [after Tanzania President John Magufuli]," Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire told him.
"We want you to ensure people who have commercialised national exams at the expense of our children are punished for us to reconfirm that indeed you are our Kenyan Magufuli."
Bosire said those involved in selling examination papers must face the law.
Magufuli succeeded Jakaya Kikwete as President of Tanzania following elections in October 2015.
He has made headlines across the world for drastic measures, including an impromptu hospital visit and the sacking of public officials, in line with his pledge to end corruption.
Matiang'i randomly inspected six schools in Mombasa and Nakuru counties in January.
He said he taken against teachers who skip classes following a visit to Njoro Boys High School in Nakuru county in February. He found teachers playing truant from three classes.
Knut's national treasurer John Matiang’i, who is the CS's younger brother, said: “We know you are capable of cleaning up the mess at Knec."
"As a union, we are behind you in cleaning up the rot. We want clean examinations."
Kuppet council member Nyamweba said: “You are on the right track and as education custodians, we are fully behind you.”
Other leaders present were
Kitutu Chache North MP
Jimmy Angwenyi, former Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati, Kuppet's Nyamira branch executive secretary Lewis Nyakweba and Nyamira governor aspirant Charles Mochama.
The CS named former University of Nairobi VC George Magoha
as the new Knec chairman following the dissolution over which several officials were ordered to record statements.
Matiang'i said the standards of education will remain poor
if good policies and structures are not implemented.
“Some of the challenges we are facing are education policies which have been forced to review. The 8-4-4 system is also undergoing reviews,” he said.