Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Kisumu branch Secretary-General Zablon Awange is now demanding answers from the Ministry of Education and Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).
He wants answers as to why Xylene gas was used in Chemistry practicals.
“To the Cabinet Secretary and the Chairman Kenya National Examination Council we are demanding a statement on the use of a gas called xylene,” said Awange.
Awange who spoke to the members of the press on Monday in Kisumu reiterated that the Xylene gas used during Chemistry practicals is carcinogenic and dangerous, adding that the gas contains bad fumes that can easily affect anyone who inhales it.
Awange, however, urged the invigilators, students, and teachers who helped during the practicals to go for medical checkups as they might have been affected unknowingly.
“Xylene is dangerous to anyone who inhales it. The candidates who sat for three hours, invigilators and Chemistry teachers who were providing assistance should go for medical checkup,” Awange urged.
The Kisumu KUPPET boss revealed that a student from St.Peters Kajulu Secondary School in Seme was burnt after the gas exploded on her face.
She was rushed to Kobewa Health Centre. He said Kasagam Secondary school and St. Teresa's girls Kibuye in Kisumu also faced the same challenges, urging the Cabinet Secretary for Education George Magoha to offer compensation to anyone who inhaled the gas.
According to scientists, Xylene gas is able to make someone lose consciousness, feel dizzy, nausea, headache or cause death.
The issue of Xylene gas comes as Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) enters its second week.
Awange also cautioned the Education Ministry to stop using University professors as exam setters, saying they are not conversant with the curriculum.