Why ‘Free’ Online Courses Aren’t Really Free: A Smarter Choice for Serious Learners

5 Safe & Productive Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Holiday Season

Education PS Belio Kipsang Denies KCSE Leakage, Calaims Incidents Due to ‘Early Exposure’

BY THEDISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER

The ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams are free from leakage, according to Education Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr Belio Kipsang. Addressing concerns on Friday, November 15, Kipsang refuted claims of widespread malpractice, clarifying that incidents of irregularities are cases of “early exposure” rather than leakage.

“An examination leakage means people access the papers a day or two in advance,” explained the PS. “What we have experienced is early exposure, where papers are photographed after being opened at the examination centre, not before.”

Dr Kipsang reassured the public that the Ministry of Education has implemented stringent measures to maintain the integrity of the exams. These include personalizing examination papers to identify culprits and hold them accountable individually, rather than penalizing entire schools.

“This year, our strategy is different,” Kipsang said. “Every exam paper is personalized. If a student allows their paper to be photographed, we can trace it back to that individual and ensure personal responsibility is enforced.”

Parents Accused of Enabling Cheating

The PS also turned the spotlight on parents, accusing them of facilitating exam cheating. He expressed frustration over parents providing candidates with mobile phones used to photograph and distribute exam papers.

“The biggest issue in our examinations is us adults,” said Kipsang. “Parents are mobilizing resources to compromise our staff, which is unacceptable. The problem lies not with our invigilators but with the people sponsoring this dishonesty.”

Tightened Security Measures

Kipsang commended the measures taken by the Ministry to curb malpractice. Enhanced security at exam centres and personalized exam papers are among the strategies designed to tighten oversight.

The Ministry lauded the smooth conduct of the exams, which are set to conclude on November 22, 2024.

Despite these assurances, the Ministry faces mounting scrutiny as reports of early exposure spark public concern. The Education sector remains under pressure to ensure the credibility of national examinations and uphold the integrity of Kenya’s education system.

Dr Kipsang’s firm stance sends a clear message: individual accountability and community cooperation are vital in safeguarding the examination process.

[products category=”E-Books” limit=”4″]

Kabete National Polytechnic Closed Indefinitely

By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER

A brief communication from the Chief Principal of the institution, Patrick Muchemi, informed students that the polytechnic had been closed indefinitely.

“This is to inform you that the polytechnic has been closed indefinitely. You are required to vacate the polytechnic with immediate effect,” the principal stated.

No further details were provided regarding the reasons behind the institution’s decision.

Dagoretti High School Closed Following Student Unrest

By Collins Wanzallah

Students at Dagoretti High School in Nairobi were sent home on Monday after the school was closed indefinitely due to student riots.

The school principal, John Kairu, was unavailable for comment as his phone went unanswered, and he did not reply to text messages. However, several teachers at the school confirmed the unrest on Sunday night.

According to sources, at least 11 students were injured during the night riots and were admitted to various hospitals around the school.

John Thairu, the chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) in Dagoretti sub-county and principal of Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School in Gachui, condemned the incident and called for peace and harmony among students in the sub-county.

“As we approach the end of the year and the KCSE exams for Form Four students, it’s important that students concentrate on their studies and avoid riots,” Thairu said over the phone.

The Sunday night riots, according to sources not authorised to speak to the press, were triggered by a conflict between two groups over a sports event.

The students had been involved in a basketball match, during which tensions arose between Kenyan and Sudanese students over the match results.

Property worth thousands of shillings was vandalised and destroyed, prompting the administration to intervene that evening. However, the situation escalated into the night.

“The school management decided to close the school to ensure student safety and prevent further destruction,” said a Board of Management official.

There were also unconfirmed reports that the dispute had taken a religious turn, with tensions between Kenyan and Sudanese students.

[purchase_link id=”3146″ style=”button” color=”red” text=”View Product”]

It was unclear whether the students involved were from South Sudan or Sudan.

According to National Police spokesperson Dr Resila Onyango, police had been deployed to the school to quell the unrest and are still investigating the matter.

She also urged students to refrain from using riots to resolve conflicts and to engage with the school administration to find peaceful solutions.

Varsity Students Suspend Demos as Govt Promises Review

By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER

University students have called off planned protests against the government’s new funding model after the Ministry of Education assured them that a comprehensive review would take place. The students have given the government a one-month deadline to address their concerns.

At a press conference held in Nairobi on Sunday, 8th September, student leaders from various universities expressed their anxieties over the proposed funding changes, which they claim have caused widespread distress among students and their families. “For months, many students have been misclassified under the new funding model, leading to significant stress, with many unable to afford the required contributions,” explained one student leader. “Some are unable to enrol at their universities due to these issues.”

While recognising the efforts of different stakeholders, the students welcomed the government’s recent commitment to form two committees, including student representation, to reassess the funding model and address current appeals. However, they called for swift action to provide both short-term relief and long-term solutions to the funding crisis.

“We appreciate the government’s readiness to form an inclusive committee, but this process needs to be expedited. Short-term solutions are urgently needed alongside a commitment to finding a sustainable funding model,” the student leaders said. They also urged the government and university administrations to reduce hostel fees and extend payment deadlines to provide more financial flexibility for students.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that the government would establish two committees to review the new university funding model, following significant public concern. These committees will include student representatives and focus on reassessing the funding criteria, particularly the Means Testing Instrument (MTI), which determines student eligibility based on socio-economic status.

The committees are also tasked with evaluating the appeals process, reviewing student loan terms, and analysing the cost structures of university programmes. “The specific terms of reference for these committees will be released later this week after consultations with student representatives,” Ogamba stated, emphasising that the aim is to improve efficiency and ensure meaningful student involvement in decision-making.

The announcement was positively received by some student leaders, including Ramesh Saxena, Secretary General of the University of Nairobi Students Association. He confirmed that protests planned for Monday had been called off to allow room for dialogue. “We don’t believe street protests are the best course of action at this time. We see potential for resolution and are prepared to engage in discussions,” Saxena said.

However, the students warned that they would not tolerate delays or inaction from the government. “If our concerns are not addressed, we will have no choice but to consider further action,” they cautioned. The decision to suspend the protests followed reports that some groups intended to disrupt the demonstrations, raising fears of potential violence.

Secretary Ogamba urged students to support the consultative process, noting that suspending the protests would allow the student community to engage in decision-making while continuing their studies without disruption.

The student leaders concluded by encouraging their peers to remain calm and committed to dialogue, expressing hope that a resolution would be reached that satisfies all parties involved.

Fire Destroys Property at Isiolo Girls High School, Causes Panic

By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER

A fire broke out at Isiolo Girls High School on Saturday night, destroying property of unknown value. The incident caused panic among parents and guardians as locals rushed to rescue students and save property from the flames.

Footage from the school showed students in distress as efforts to contain the fire progressed. Rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene, according to announcements from the Kenya Red Cross Society and local police.

In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross said, “A fire has been reported at Isiolo Girls High School in Isiolo County. Response teams have been activated.”

Police spokesperson, Dr. Resla Onyango, confirmed that no casualties had been reported at the time of the announcement. She added that local residents quickly mobilised to prevent the fire from spreading further.

17 boys Killed in Dormitory Fire at Endarasha, Nyeri County

By THE DISPATCH DIGITAL REPORTER

Seventeen learners have tragically lost their lives in a night fire that engulfed a boys’ dormitory at Endarasha Hillside Academy in Kieni West Sub County, Nyeri County. The devastating incident also left 14 other learners injured, who were swiftly taken to hospital for treatment.

The school has a total of 824 learners, comprising 422 girls and 402 boys. Of these, 156 boys and 160 girls are boarders. All 156 boys were housed in the ill-fated dormitory where the fire broke out.

President William Ruto, currently on a visit to China, has ordered an immediate investigation into the fire and pledged action against those responsible. However, there are concerns over the lack of tangible outcomes from the President’s previous promises of action in similar cases.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba was also out of the country, accompanying the President in China. Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, conveyed his and the ministry’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

This incident is not the first of its kind. The first major school fire in Kenya occurred at St. Kizito Boys, claiming several lives. Since then, numerous fires have followed, some reportedly linked to indiscipline or stress as exams approach. The cause of the Endarasha fire remains unknown at this point.

The government previously introduced safety measures following school fire incidents, mandating dormitories to have at least two doors and clear fire escape routes. However, questions remain over how 17 boys perished in a dormitory housing 156 students, with many burnt beyond recognition.

KUPPET Strike: A Brief but Intense Battle for Teachers’ Rights in Kenya

Kasmwel McOure Gen Z Group Announces Protests to Mark Katiba Day

By Collins Wanzallah

An organisation, primarily composed of youths from 54 different groups, has called for a nationwide protest today (Tuesday) as the country marks Katiba Day.

The National Provisional Coordination Committee of People’s Assemblies (NCCPA), led by their spokesperson Kasmuel McOure, announced the protest during a press briefing at Chester House, Nairobi, yesterday. The protest is in response to what they claim is President William Ruto’s failure to respect the constitution.

They stated that the constitution, which was promulgated in 2010 and is celebrating its 14th anniversary today, has not been respected by the President and some other political leaders, who they allege have been brought into the government.

Alongside their other leaders, Prof. Fred Ogolla and Booker Ngesa Omole, who is the Deputy National Chairman of the Communist Party of Kenya, they asserted that the constitution, which symbolises Kenya’s collective struggle for justice, democracy, and freedom, is under a vicious assault by the President.

“Under President William Ruto’s regime, the country has been plunged into darkness. Over 345 innocent people have been brutally murdered in extrajudicial killings,” they claimed.

Flanked by several youths, including university student leaders from the University of Nairobi, they accused the President of forming an alliance with a few billionaires, whom they allege have plundered the country’s wealth.

They labelled the current government as corrupt, led by President Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga, whom they described as an opportunist.

The group stated that they do not recognise or respect the broad-based government, the post of Prime Cabinet Secretary held by Musalia Mudavadi, or the recycling of sacked cabinet secretaries back into government as advisors.

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo were last Thursday reappointed to government roles, being named as Presidential Economic Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery, respectively.

The youths continued to express that the country is in economic crisis and drowning in illegitimate debt, adding that many youths are jobless and the cost of living is unbearable.

“We are calling for a total shutdown of the nation tomorrow. Tomorrow will not just be a day of commemoration; it will be a day of mass action,” their statement read.

They went on to announce a general strike and a protest against the tyranny of President Ruto, demanding his immediate resignation.

Tomorrow at 2:00 pm, they urged Kenyans, wherever they may be, to abandon whatever they are doing and take a short break to reflect on whether the constitution has benefited them.

The group also mentioned their intention to travel across the country, convincing Kenyans of the need for a new government, and indicated that they would field some of their members for elective posts during the next election.

In their statement, they outlined five points which they claim reflect the people’s demands:

1. Reclaim national sovereignty and establish a pro-people government that reflects the true will of Kenyans, free from the influence of corrupt elites.
2. Implement economic justice by adopting policies that prioritise job creation, affordable living, and equitable distribution of resources.
3. Cement accountability and justice by holding those responsible for corruption and extrajudicial killings accountable through a transparent legal process.
4. Restore and defend constitutional integrity by ensuring that it remains the supreme law of the land, unaltered by those in power.
5. Establish inclusive governance through genuine mechanisms for people-driven public participation in decision-making processes at all levels of government.

The student leaders present expressed their opposition to the new university students’ funding model and announced that on 9th September, they will hold protests in the country’s universities to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with it.

“Students who are receiving higher funding are those whose parents are well-connected and wealthy, while the poorer students get only a small fraction of it,” they claimed.