Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has stated that he will not be swayed by criticism of the new directives aimed at preventing exam cheating in schools.
Dr Matiang’i emphasized his commitment to reforming the education sector, saying,
I have an important duty to discharge, I do not want to be distracted and will not allow any sideshows whatsoever.
Senate Committee on Education chair Daniel Karaba noted that his team was not consulted before the issuance of the order revising term dates and the examination calendar.
Karaba expressed concerns that the guidelines alone would not address examination cheating, suggesting that Dr Matiang’i should take stronger action against officials at the examination body.
Addressing Criticisms
According to Karaba,
What the minister has done is trying to medicate a cancerous problem with pain killers, he should carry out a surgery and remove all rotten apples in the KNEC.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) secretary general Wilson Sossion had previously cautioned Dr Matiang’i against issuing directives without stakeholder consultation.
Despite criticisms, Dr Matiang’i maintained that the reforms had begun and would continue, stating,
We understand that securing examinations and ensuring they are credible requires a lot more than changing examination dates, but we have to start from somewhere if we are to succeed in reforming the education sector.
Dr Matiang’i also clarified that he is not opposed to prayer sessions for candidates, but rather has rescheduled social activities and prayer rallies.
The recovered account cited reporting by Mediamax,Nation.
