Education stakeholders in West Pokot County have called on the government to beef up security in schools in West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet Counties and along Uganda border ahead of the exams.
West Pokot Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Executive Secretary Mr. Martin Sembelo and former education officer and area educationist Mr. Wilbert Mukhwana said that the political mood and challenges in the country are not favourable and maximum security is required for students and teachers.
Mr. Sembelo expressed concern over the recent spate of killings along the Elgeyo Marakwet border a situation which could affect exams in schools.
Speaking at Makutano Central Primary school during prayers day for class eight candidates, he said that the insecurity upsurge in the region has caused panic among residents, school children and teachers.
“Candidates needs to have a conducive, good, and free environment for them to sit do their exams well,” said Sembelo.
He said learners and teachers in frontier schools along the border need their security guaranteed for the exams to go on smoothly.
He asked the government to deploy more security officers in the area. “We need at least two police officers in every school. We fear because without security no learning or development will take place in the area,” he said.
Sembelo urged all education stakeholders in the area to cooperate and help learners in the area. He also called on religious leaders in the country to pray for the country ahead of the repeat elections.
Wilbert Mukhwana, who is also the Director of Makutano Primary school, urged the government to add more police posts along the border region.
“Security should be tightened up in all schools to repulse any attack. We need enough national police reservists (NPR) and day and night guards to enhance security. Someone can take advantage of the political situation in the country to attack students and teachers,” he said.
Mr. Mukhwana noted that the government should put in place precautionary measures to safeguard schools before any unpleasant thing could happen. “Apart from perimeter and fencing, schools need to monitor vehicle movements in and out of schools,” he said.