This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
Kenya KCSE Exam Chaos: Students, Invigilators Hospitalized After Exposure to Toxic Chemical ¶
On November 8, 2019, multiple Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates and invigilators were hospitalized after being exposed to a toxic chemical during Chemistry practicals.
The incident occurred when students were required to heat xylene, a highly toxic chemical compound, and observe the flame produced without protective gear. Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon widely used in industry and medical technology as a solvent.
According to reports, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) had ordered school principals to buy xylene as an alternative for the cyclohexane that was not available in the market.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang dismissed the reports, stating that the chemicals used were the same ones that the students had been using in their lessons.
However, multiple students and invigilators across the country were admitted to hospital after the incident, with some requiring hospitalization over the weekend and then being discharged to continue with the exams on Monday, November 11.
One of the teachers in Nyeri county, who sought anonymity, stated, 'I was in the room with the students for two hours and when the students burned the chemical, it produced a lot of soot and since then, I have been feeling sick and dizzy.'
Another teacher from Embu said, 'We had to rush some of the students to hospital after the exam because they were complaining of chest pains, headaches and stomach discomfort. We gave milk to the rest.'
Trans-Nzoia Teachers Service Commission (TSC) director Odipo Okumu confirmed the incident, stating that they were waiting for a doctor's report before acting.
Cherusha Nyakeri, a teacher at St Monica Girls Kitale, was rushed to Kitale hospital after being exposed to fumes that emanated from heating xylene at Gidea Girls School in Kwanza.
Multiple students were admitted to hospital in various counties, including Nyeri, Embu, and Meru, after being exposed to the toxic chemical.
