Over 400 failed to sit KCPE

More than 400 pupils who registered for last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination in Meru County did not take the tests, a State official has revealed.

Mary Kanyua, an Education ministry officer in Tigania, said most of the pupils who missed the exams had dropped out of school due to female genital mutilation. Others got pregnant.

"400 registered candidates did not sit the exams. It is important for all of us to address the issues that make our children drop out of school early," she said.

Meru County Education Board Chairman Geoffrey Muthaa and County Secretary Rufus Miriti said the high number of absentee candidates was worrying.