Bandit attacks spark fear of KCPE exams being disrupted

TURKANA COUNTY: Renewed attacks in Turkana East have caused panic with over 400 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education candidates scheduled to sit the examination beginning tomorrow.

The schools affected by insecurity include Lomelo, Kapedo girls, Lopalal, New Silale and Kapedo Mixed primary schools.

Kapedo Mixed Primary School head teacher Echopon Emoit was shot by bandits as he came from school heading to Lokori centre.

Speaking on telephone, Emoit said there is uncertainty on whether the candidates would sit the examination despite assurances from the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) officials.

“The environment is not conducive for the candidates especially with the ongoing shootings in the area. A number are still in shock and expected to compete like other pupils across the country,” he said, adding that teachers meant to supervise the examination were fearing for their lives.

Turkana Education Director Nicodemus Anyang assured the candidates the exam would start as planned. He said Knec has made security arrangements and officers would be positioned at the centres.