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Ongeri Differs With Permanent Secretary, Says National Exams a Must

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Published on Saturday, 05 November 2011 02:35

EDUCATION minister Sam Ongeri has dismissed reports that national examinations for primary and secondary schools will be abolished. Ongeri appeared to differ with Education PS James Ole Kiyapi who a week ago said national examinations will be scrapped. "Kenyans need not be worried on calls to have the examinations abolished. The reports are inaccurate and were personal opinions," Ongeri said.

In a move that would be interpreted that the two professors are reading from different scripts in regard to some education matters, the education minister said the annual exams are crucial in gauging the capacity of candidates before they move to the next level of education. Speaking in Magonga in North Mugirango Borabu constituency Ongeri said: "The debate that national examinations will be scrapped is just a waste of time because the examinations are used to gauge students to the next level."

The minister said the significance of the exams should not be underestimated adding abolishing them will compromise education standards in the country. Ongeri who was accompanied by Heritage assistant minister Wilfred Ombui said the exams are governed by a policy that cannot be changed overnight as people go round cheating Kenyans.

The Nyaribari Masaba MP said that although there are suggestions that the exams administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council be abolished, wide and far reaching consultations will have to be made before a decision is reached. He advised candidates sitting the exams this month to be confident and avoid cheating. The minister lauded local schools for not appearing in the shameful list of cheats last year. PS Kiyapi had said KCPE and KCSE exams will be abolished starting next year