A file photo of students sitting their national exam. [Photo/ softkenya.com]
The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) kicked off this morning (Tuesday) and will run until Thursday. Candidates in terror-prone areas in Lamu County have been transferred to Mokowe Arid Zone Primary School for security reasons. The move is aimed at meant at ensuring the students comfortably sit for their examinations.Several schools, especially in Basuba area, have remained closed following the incessant attacks from suspected al-Shabaab militia. Parents and teachers among other stakeholders have raised concern over the possibility of students from these areas excelling in their exams since they have been constantly in and out of school due to terror attacks by the militants.Lamu East Education officer David Nzinga said the pupils’ performance might be affected considering the harsh environment they have been subjected to during preparations for the exams.Nziga said the students could not sit for the national examinations in their schools because they have remained closed for years over security concerns.“They couldn’t sit the exams in their schools since they haven’t opened for the last two years due to insecurity. They have faced so many challenges but we are praying that they ace the exams. We are however confident that having been moved to the new school in Mokowe they will be peaceful and safe enough to do their best,” said Nzinga, as quoted by Baraka FM.19 students from Pandanguo Primary School in Lamu West will sit for their examinations at the Witu Primary school. On his part, Lamu County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo has assured parents and teachers that security of the pupils is guaranteed.“We have ensured all schools will be closely guarded by police. It is not like we expect anything to happen during the exams but we are just taking precaution,” said Kitiyo.