Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is a pivotal moment for students, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It’s a high-stakes examination that can determine a student’s future. As such, the individuals entrusted with overseeing the exams, the invigilators and supervisors, play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the process. In Kisumu County, these educators have received a gentle reminder from Samuel Marigat, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) County Director, about the importance of their appearance.
Marigat emphasized the need for invigilators and supervisors to be attired in official, appropriate clothing. He expressed concern over instances where some of them had arrived wearing casual attire, such as jeans and t-shirts. “This exam is official,” he stressed, “I have seen some of the invigilators forget; some of them come in jeans, some come in t-shirts. This is not a game; this is exams.”
The call for a dress code isn’t about enforcing a rigid sense of formality; it’s about upholding the seriousness and sanctity of the KCSE examinations. When teachers and officials dress professionally, it conveys respect and sets the right tone for the students who are about to undertake this critical assessment. Dressing officially sends a message that this is a significant event that demands our utmost attention and professionalism.
The KCSE exams kicked off smoothly despite the challenges posed by heavy rains in the region over the weekend. Schools in Nyando and Muhoroni sub-counties were affected by flash floods, but the reports indicate that all schools received their examination papers on time. This resilience showcases the dedication of educators and the commitment to providing students with a fair opportunity to succeed.
However, it’s not just about dressing appropriately. The integrity of the examinations also hinges on the vigilance of security officers who are responsible for ensuring the safe delivery and opening of exam papers. Kisumu Central Sub County Director of Education, Charles Angiela, underscored the importance of security officers being present during these crucial moments. Some officers have been known to neglect their duties during the opening and closing of exam papers.
To enhance security and prevent any potential malpractices, Angiela suggested that officers avoid congregating and instead adopt a more strategic approach. “It is our plea that the officers do not sit together,” he recommended, “let one officer monitor the discharge of the exam papers while the other patrols around the exam center.” This approach minimizes the chances of unauthorized access to examination materials.
The frequency of opening the examination container has also been increased to twice a day, emphasizing the significance of timing in curbing exam cheating and other irregularities.