Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has cautioned parents and teachers after the death of five KCPE candidates in Uasin Gishu County.
He warned teachers, parents and guardians from exposing learners to risky activities and environments, especially during the national examinations season.
This after five standard eight candidates from Arap Moi Primary School in Tarakwa in Uasin Gishu county drowned in a man-made dam on Saturday.
“I wish to assure everyone that the government will take all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of candidates across the country during the 2023 national examinations season,” Machogu said.
In a statement on Sunday,the CS annoucned that the Ministries of Education and Interior will collaborate to ensure thorough investigations into the incident.
Machogu condoled with the families and relatives of the pupils who had perished in the tragedy.
“It is regrettable that we lost the candidates just two days before they could sit their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education that starts tomorrow,” he said.
“In the meantime, I am working closely with my counterpart in the Ministry of Interior to ensure thorough and conclusive investigations are conducted into the unfortunate incident,” Machogu added.
He further noted that anyone found culpable will be held responsible based on the findings of the investigations.
Machogu however appealed for calm and patience from the affected school, families and communities.
According to the police, the pupils had ventured to the Amazement park as part of preparations for the exams that start Monday.
The pupils and their teachers went to the park for a boat ride on a man-made dam when it capsized.
"Only one of those who were in the boat and who is a class six pupil survived, "police said.
The pupil was rushed to Burnt Forest Sub County Hospital and later to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention.
Police said the incident happened at about 5 pm.
The victims were later moved to Burnt Forest Hospital where they were confirmed dead. The bodies were moved to the MTRH morgue.
Kenya Certificate of Primary Examinations (KCPE) and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will run from October 30 to November 24.
