KCPE candidates in Marigat to sit exams in special centres

By Robert Kiplagat

BARINGO, KENYA: A number of Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) candidates in rustling-prone Marigat District are set to sit their examinations in special centres outside the district.

The 137 candidates were displaced after armed cattle rustlers attacked Lorumoru village, displacing over 4,000 residents and occasioning closure of six schools.

The affected candidates fled their homes to neighbouring districts such as East Pokot, Mogotio, Baringo North and Baringo Central fearing for their security.

Baringo County Education Director Hellen Nyang’au said should the insecurity persist, the Government would make arrangements for the candidates to sit their exams in special centres.

Some of the schools that were affected by the attack include Kapindasum, Kasiela, Ng’elecha, Chemurong’ion and Arabal.

Tracing candidates

“We are still tracing the candidates to ensure that we get special centres for them or join other candidates in schools near them so that they do not miss these crucial examinations,” said Ms Nyang’au.

She also cited poor roads, landslides and flash floods as the other factors that hinder smooth administration of national examinations in the area.

With barely a month to KCPE examinations, the fate of the candidates remain uncertain should insecurity in the area escalate. The pupils are currently housed in makeshift camps with their families.

Kenya National Union of Teachers Baringo branch secretary Charles Kamuren called on the Government to beef up security in cattle rustling hotspots.

“It should do so as a matter of urgency so that all the candidates in the affected areas sit examinations in their respective schools,” he said.

The cattle rustling incidences have lately been on the rise in Marigat District, leading to displacement of residents and loss of thousands of livestock.

Barely two days ago, a man was shot dead by suspected armed Pokot cattle rustlers in Mukutani area, raising tension among locals.

According to Baringo OCPD Omondi Musewe, John Seuru – a boda boda operator is said to have been heading to Kiserian from Mukutani when he was killed. Musewe said the Seuru ran out of fuel and had sent another operator to fetch him fuel when the criminals struck.