President Uhuru Kenyatta says anybody who engages in or abet cheating during national examinations will face a 10 year jail term.
Speaking during a meeting with secondary school head teachers in Mombasa, the Head of State indicated that the measures will streamline examination administration so that cases of cheating are eradicated.
He further points out that school heads should take the lead in ensuring the vice does not spread.
“My government has embarked on critical changes in streamlining examination administration so that cases of cheating are curtailed,” he said.
“There will be harsh punishment for those who cheat and those who abet the vice.”
As the government injects colossal funding in education, the Head of State emphasised the need for school heads to embrace prudent management of the funds.
“Prudence is not limited to funds disbursed by the government – this includes funds collected from parents as well. As accounting officers in your institutions, you are fully responsible for management of the resources,” he said.
He instructed the Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to address the mushrooming of schools to ensure only economically viable ones are registered.
President Kenyatta said as the country takes a leap into national prosperity, Kenya requires a critical mass of knowledgeable and skilled citizens to deal with the challenges of the this century.
“Education institutions have an important role to play in this regard,” he said.
President Kenyatta challenged the school heads to sharpen the social skills and attitudes of the students for the benefit of the nation.
“The youth require guidance and understanding, not judgment and condemnation to be able to navigate through this turbulent period of their lives.”
Matiang’i on his part said his ministry will ensure that exams are administered in a credible manner to guard against cheating and other malpractices.
He pointed out that his ministry is also improving infrastructure in schools so that student can learn in a conducive environment that will boost success of education.
Other speakers included Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, teacher unions’ officials and heads teachers’ association chairman John Awiti.
By Simon Ndonga
