Despite Friday being declared a public holiday, the Ministry of Education has assured Kenyans that the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams will continue without interruption.
In a statement released on Thursday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos clarified that Form Four students’ KCSE exams would proceed as scheduled, despite the government’s late announcement of a national holiday to mark Prof. Kithure Kindiki’s swearing-in as Deputy President.
The announcement, made by Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as a holiday to facilitate preparations for Kindiki’s oath of office, following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
With the High Court recently lifting a prior order preventing Kindiki from assuming office, his swearing-in is now set to proceed, sparking the need for an official public holiday.
In his statement, CS Migos expressed that the holiday declaration would not affect the KCSE timetable and emphasized the importance of keeping exam schedules consistent to avoid disruptions for the candidates.
“The Ministry of Education wishes to inform the public that the declaration of the holiday will not interrupt the ongoing KCSE Examination papers scheduled for Friday, 1st November 2024,” said Migos, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining a smooth examination process.
CS Migos also directed all stakeholders involved in administering the KCSE exams to continue with their duties as planned.
All members of the Multi-Agency Examinations Administration Team are instructed to report to work as scheduled to ensure that all examination activities of the day are well executed in line with Ministry of Education guidelines,” he added.
This directive includes all personnel in the examination management chain, from invigilators and supervisors to security teams and transport staff, who play a crucial role in ensuring the exams proceed smoothly and securely.
The directive applies to all other basic education institutions currently in session, meaning schools will continue their programs as usual, maintaining stability and routine for students outside of Form Four who are in their regular learning sessions.
Migos’ statement also reflects the Ministry’s commitment to shielding the KCSE exams from external disruptions, given their critical importance. KCSE results are pivotal in determining students’ paths into tertiary education and career opportunities.
Any delay or rescheduling can create stress for students and logistical challenges for the Ministry, parents, and other stakeholders.
The Ministry’s swift response to Mudavadi’s holiday declaration reassures students and their families that the exams will proceed as originally planned, underscoring the priority placed on educational consistency.
Friday’s holiday is set to be a significant day for the nation, marking a pivotal transition as Prof. Kindiki steps into the role of Deputy President. Kindiki’s swearing-in follows a dramatic political shift after the High Court approved his appointment, formally replacing Gachagua.
Gachagua’s impeachment earlier this year generated considerable public interest, and the court’s recent decision to allow Kindiki’s swearing-in has been widely noted as an important constitutional moment.
For students and their families, the Ministry of Education’s decision offers reassurance during a period of national change.
By adhering to the original KCSE schedule, the Ministry aims to maintain an uninterrupted focus on students’ academic progress and future opportunities.
