KCPE and KPSEA exams will start officially on Monday 30th October 2023. The exams will take three days thus ending on 1st November 2023.
The Kenya Metrological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rains that are likely to pound several parts of the country from today Friday 27th October.
The weatherman in an advisory on Thursday listed Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Embu, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murang’a, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kwale, and Mombasa as counties which are of concern.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in various parts of the country that may have an impact on the administration of the examinations.
Status Update on Examination Preparedness report named flooding hotspots as Nyakach, Nyando, lower areas of River Nzoia, lower areas of River Sondu, Narok Town, Suswa, Tana River Delta and Mwatate.
It added that heavy continuous rainfall will likely be experienced in Lake Victoria Basin Region, Kisii, Elgeyo Marakwet, Bumgoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Vihiga, Laikipia, Nakuru and Narok counties.
The report further said flash floods are likely to be experienced in Lodwar, Lokichar, Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru, and Mombasa.
It said landslides could be experienced in West Pokot, Kericho, Elgeyo Marakwet, Mt Elgon, Narok, Nakuru, Baringo, Murang’a, Kitui and Kilungu in Makueni County.
The report said the Ministry of Education, through the Kenya National Examination Council (Knec), is committed to delivering quality assessment in line with its mandate.
“To achieve this, regular reviews have been done to ensure all the necessary pre-requisite measures are in place so as to guarantee effective conduct of the 2023 National Examinations and assessments,” the report added.
The Ministry of Education will need 15 helicopters to administer national examinations in certain regions of the country if they experience heavy rains.
The report by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, which was presented by the Education Committee chairperson Julius Melly on the floor of the House, said Sh500 million will be needed for the helicopters.
“Kenya National Examination Council is engaging a multi-agency coordinating team under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy President and the Kenya Defence Force to assist in the provision of the helicopters and other needs as they may arise,” the report said.
Residents in the said counties have been advised to be on the lookout for potential floods.
An advisory signed by Kennedy Thiong’o on behalf of the Director Kenya Meteorological Department said the heavy rainfall which has hit several parts of the country is expected to intensify as the country heads into the weekend.
Thiong’o said the rains will intensify from Friday over the Northeastern and central parts of the country and are expected to spread to several parts of Northeastern, the Central Highlands and South Coast.
The rains according to the weatherman will be accompanied by gusty winds, adding that flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream.
“Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows when raining to minimize exposure to lightning strikes,” Thiong’o said.
“The strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” he added.
The advisory has been addressed to the Environment CS and PS, the Presidency; the National Intelligence Service, the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Maritime Authority and the Kenya Ports Authority.
Others include the National Disaster Operations Centre, National Disaster Management Unit, Media, Relevant Government Ministries, Council of Governors and the County Directors of Meteorological Services (CDMs).