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By Isabella Maua
Many schools in Mt. Elgon Subcounty of Bungoma County have been forced to start their national examinations late due to heavy rains and impassable roads.
The majority of pupils sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination and Kenya Primary School Examination Assessment around Kopsiro have had to kick off the examinations about an hour behind the official scheduled time.
Confirming the incidences, the region’s Kenya National Union of Teachers Executive Secretary Stephen Chemonges observed that more than five schools in Kopsiro Sub County had impassable roads Monday morning thanks to the heavy overnight rains.
“It is commendable, however, that despite our topography and rainy weather, teachers have made their way to school to deliver their duties diligently,” lauded Chemonges.
He, however, noted that the greatest challenge was lack of vehicles and fuel to even get the examination papers to the nearest accessible centers.
“The government has displayed unpreparedness, especially in terms of the transportation of examination materials in this region, and we challenge the relevant officials to act swiftly in bridging this gap as the examination continues,” reiterated Chemonges.
The most affected schools include, but are not limited to, Kaptum, Kaboriot, Banandega, Chepkurkur, Korng’etuny, and Kapchebuk.
Mt. Elgon Sub County Education Officer Donald Etiang’ also confirmed that all registered schools have received examinations, citing a few incidences of vehicles getting stuck in the mud in the Kipkama, Koshok, and Kibieto regions.
“All is well in terms of pupils and teachers preparedness for the examinations despite the heavy rains experienced throughout the night; we, however have made an effort to tow the vehicles and ensure everything is in place,” reported Etiang.’
KNUT Executive Chemonges has conclusively requested that the Ministry of Education look into the issue of pupils whose names have not been captured in the nominal rollout of the examinational council as soon as possible.
“We need the government to give us at least one of the 205 vehicles distributed across the country since we have an uphill task to reach many schools in the remotest of areas in this region,” beseeched Chemonges.