President William Ruto has assured the country of the government’s full preparedness in terms of security and invigilation to ensure a smooth and successful process for the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams. Speaking at the State House during the Presidential Awards-Kenya (PA-K) ceremony, the President also extended his best wishes to the millions of candidates who will be sitting for their examinations.
A Holistic Approach to National Examinations
With the KCSE and KPSEA exams just around the corner, the government has put comprehensive measures in place to ensure that this crucial exercise proceeds without any disruptions. According to President Ruto, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior have worked together to ensure that all arrangements are in order. This includes the deployment of adequate security personnel to safeguard examination centers and oversee the distribution of examination materials.
“As a government, we want to assure our children that there is adequate security, adequate supervision, and all the invigilators are in place,” Ruto said during the PA-K ceremony, offering reassurances to both students and their parents.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has confirmed that a total of 965,501 candidates are set to sit for the KCSE exams across 10,565 centers nationwide. Additionally, 1,303,913 students will be taking the KPSEA in 35,573 centers, bringing the total number of candidates to a staggering 2,279,414. This is a monumental event for the country, and the government’s emphasis on security underscores the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the national exams.
Ruto emphasized that every effort has been made to guarantee a smooth examination process. The government has deployed security personnel at all examination centers to prevent any potential malpractice or breaches of security. This has become a critical issue in past years, where exam cheating and security challenges posed significant threats to the integrity of the education system. With these measures in place, the government seeks to ensure a fair and secure environment for all students.
Encouraging a Generation of Achievers
Beyond the logistics of national examinations, President Ruto took time to speak directly to the students who will be undergoing the KCSE and KPSEA. He expressed his hopes and wishes for them, encouraging the candidates to take their exams seriously and assuring them of the support of their parents and guardians.
“My very best wishes. My message to all of them is, may God’s guidance, fortitude, and grace be with them,” Ruto stated. He encouraged the students to approach the exams with determination and focus, reminding them that the thoughts and prayers of their families and the nation are with them during this important phase of their academic journey.
Ruto’s words come at a time when students are preparing to take life-altering assessments. The KCSE and KPSEA exams are pivotal in shaping the academic and professional futures of students. The President urged students to be confident and assured, noting that these exams provide them with a platform to showcase the knowledge they have accumulated over the years, thus opening doors to further opportunities.
He concluded his remarks by reminding the students that the government and education stakeholders are dedicated to guiding them into a future of success, echoing the role of exams in determining the academic paths of millions of young Kenyans.
Presidential Awards-Kenya: Celebrating the Achievements of Youth
President Ruto’s message of encouragement did not stop with the exam candidates. His address came during the PA-K ceremony, an annual event that recognizes young achievers for their accomplishments outside of the classroom. This year, 1,517 young people, aged between 14 and 24, were awarded gold medals for their outstanding achievements in various fields.
These awardees represent a total of 2,397 young people who participated in the PA-K program from across the country. The PA-K program is a vital part of Kenya’s non-formal education framework, designed to celebrate the achievements of youth in fields that go beyond academic success. The main objective of the program is to equip young people with life skills that are essential for thriving in today’s world.
The program encourages participants to engage in activities that foster personal growth, including physical fitness, volunteer work, and outdoor adventures. Through this, PA-K aims to build well-rounded individuals who are capable of succeeding in diverse fields.
Launched in Kenya in 1966, PA-K is part of a global initiative known as The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The Award was founded in 1956 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT, in collaboration with German educationalist Kurt Hahn and Sir John Hunt. Over the years, the program has grown to operate in more than 140 countries and has positively impacted the lives of over 121,000 young people across the globe.
Empowering the Youth for the Future
During the ceremony, Ruto highlighted the importance of youth engagement in non-academic activities. He called upon the Ministry of Education to support the PA-K program by increasing youth participation across the country. “We must ensure that more young people participate in the Presidential Awards so that we can develop their character and skills,” he said.
Ruto stressed that Kenya’s future success depends on the development of well-rounded young people who possess not only academic knowledge but also critical life skills. He urged young people to take advantage of programs like PA-K to build their confidence, character, and leadership abilities.
The skills developed through the PA-K program—physical activity, community service, and adventure—are intended to help young people excel in their personal and professional lives. These experiences foster a sense of resilience, responsibility, and teamwork, qualities that are highly valued in today’s fast-paced and competitive world.
The PA-K program has reached over 1,000 schools, universities, middle-level colleges, youth groups, and rehabilitation centers in Kenya, and it continues to grow. The government’s ongoing support of such initiatives reflects its commitment to creating opportunities for young people to thrive beyond the classroom, making them better equipped to contribute positively to society.
Conclusion: A Nation United in Support of Its Youth
President William Ruto’s focus on both national examinations and the development of young people through programs like PA-K is a testament to the government’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Kenyan leaders. His assurance of adequate security and proper supervision during the KCSE and KPSEA exams provides much-needed comfort to parents and students as they prepare for this critical period.
Furthermore, the recognition of young achievers at the PA-K ceremony underscores the importance of a well-rounded education. By promoting character development, community service, and adventure, the PA-K program is helping to build a generation of leaders who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the life skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
As Kenya prepares for a crucial examination season, the nation’s youth are being encouraged to rise to the occasion with confidence and determination, knowing that they are supported by their families, their communities, and their government.
