Keep off school tests, CS warns governors

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i speaks before the National Assembly committee on education at County Hall on October 18, 2016. He has told governors to respect the importance of examinations. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga was recently forced to withdraw mock exams that bore his portrait.
  • Dr Matiang’i said in a statement that he recognised the role of county governments in helping to develop education but such activities must be done within the law.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has warned county governments against using learning and examination materials as campaign tools.

He told governors to stop decorating examination papers with their photos, campaign messages and party colours, claiming that they were unnecessarily introducing politics in education.

Dr Matiang’i said mock examinations remained banned in all schools and that action would be taken against counties sponsoring the tests and using them to send political messages to the learners.

Saying, however, that the government was not opposed to partnerships between schools and various stakeholders — including counties, churches and NGOs — he urged teachers and education officials to ensure the rights of learners were protected from partisan thoughts and influences.

Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga was recently forced to withdraw mock exams that bore his portrait, following criticism that he had overstepped the boundaries by introducing politics in educational matters.

Mr Rasanga had reportedly splashed Sh1.7 million to have his image on the exam papers, raising questions about the county’s spending priorities.

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has vowed to continue with a similar plan in his county.

Dr Matiang’i said in a statement that he recognised the role of county governments in helping to develop education but such activities must be done within the law.

He said the Constitution was clear about the rights of children to learn in an environment that promotes “free thinking, freedom of conscience and religion”.

Said Dr Matiang’i: “What the counties are doing is not only partisan but also intrusive of school programmes and activities.”

He said the Ministry of Education had banned zonal, sub-county and county mock exams to ease pressure among learners, adding that schools were free to offer formative assessments at the school level with no extra levies charged on parents.