A decision by the education Cabinet Secretary that ordered banning of mid-term and visiting in the final term of the year has been termed ‘rational and untimely’.
Fred Matiang’i on Wednesday said banning visiting, candidates prayers sessions and mid-terms would help curb persistent examination irregularities.
However, Masaba KNUT Deputy Secretary in charge of Public Relations Mr James Oteki said the decision was untimely and challenged the minister to reverse it.
“As a union, we have consulted widely over the same matter and it’s our opinion that it’s rational and untimely. This is not the right time to order banning of such practices that have been carried out over years,” he said.
“The cabinet secretary should have consulted widely before ordering implementation of such policy. It is going to have a negative impact in our preparation for this year’s exams because saying that candidates sit for national exams as early as September will tamper with our programme,” he added.
He said the directive should have been implemented in subsequent years to avoid interfering with already existing programmes in public schools.
“We are not saying that it’s a bad idea because this is all about risking. We want to see a systematic implantation of a policy. It will be appropriate if it is implemented in the near future but not this year if at all the ministry cares about existing programs,” he added.