Several schools defy KNEC order, push back rehearsal dates

The Kenya National Examinations Council had set Thursday as the day for the schools to conduct their rehearsals.

In Summary
  • Students are set to sit for the exams beginning October 23.
  • A principal in one of the schools said they could not proceed with the activity due to the presence of other students in the exam centres.
Learners walk their way towards the Nairobi CBD during school closure.
Learners walk their way towards the Nairobi CBD during school closure.
Image: FILE

Several secondary schools in the Kangemi, Lavington and Westlands areas have had to reschedule their rehearsal dates in preparation for the Kenya Certificate of  Secondary Education exams.

The Kenya National Examinations Council had set Thursday as the day for the schools to conduct their rehearsals.

Students are set to sit for the exams beginning October 23.

A principal in one of the schools said they could not proceed with the activity due to the presence of other students in the exam centres.

"We cannot have the rehearsals today since the other students are occupying some of the rooms that are supposed to be used for examination purposes," the principal said on anonymity.

A school calendar from the Ministry of Education shows that schools were expected to close next week.

The third term holiday is considered one of the lengthiest for students lasting for 10 weeks until January 8.

In one of the schools, students from the lower forms closed on Wednesday.

There was a flurry of activities inside the school with entry being restricted.

Some students from neighbouring schools who are set to sit for the examination at the centre could be seen entering the institution.

Another school is planning to conduct rehearsals on Tuesday next week.

"Due to the presence to the presence of other students in the school which is an exam centre, it cannot be possible to proceed with the rehearsal plans, we will have our rehearsals upon closing of the school," another school head said. 

The exams will however start next week on Monday with French, German and Arabic oral questions and the Kenya Sign Language and Music practicals.

The KCSE exams will end on November 24, 2023, with Physics practicals.

On the other hand, the Kenya Certificate of Primary Exams and  Kenya Primary School Education Assessment will have their rehearsals on October 27, 2023.

KNEC had said that plans are complete to administer national examinations to 2.3 million learners who will sit this year’s KCPE and KCSE examinations.

Around 1,415,315 candidates will sit for the KCPE exam, while another 903,260 will take the KCSE test.

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