KCSE 2024: A candidate at Sironga Girls in Nyamira rushed to hospital after allegedly being assaulted by a quality assurance officer; girl suspected to have had unauthorised material:photo courtesy
A distressing incident unfolded at Sironga Girls High School in Nyamira County on November 12, 2024, when a candidate collapsed after allegedly being assaulted by Beatrice Kendi, a quality assurance officer from the Ministry of Education. The student was sitting for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam when Kendi entered the examination room around 9 a.m. and suspected her of chewing unauthorized material.
According to eyewitness accounts, Kendi confronted the student aggressively, accusing her of cheating. In a shocking turn of events, it is alleged that Kendi struck the student multiple times without recovering any evidence of wrongdoing. The confrontation left the student visibly shaken and distressed. Shortly before the exam concluded at 10 a.m., she collapsed in the examination room, prompting immediate concern among her classmates and invigilators.
The school’s medical staff initially treated the student at the school dispensary before she was transferred to Nyamira County Referral Hospital for further evaluation and care. Reports indicate that she was suffering from shock and anxiety following the incident, although her condition is not life-threatening.
The incident has ignited public outrage and raised serious concerns about the treatment of students during high-pressure examinations. Parents, educators, and students alike have expressed their disbelief over the actions of the quality assurance officer, questioning the protocols in place to ensure a safe and supportive examination environment. Many are calling for an immediate review of how exam invigilators handle suspected cases of malpractice.
This alarming event follows another tragic occurrence at Sironga Girls High School earlier this year, where a student died after jumping from a building amid reported stress related to examinations. These incidents have sparked discussions about mental health support for students during the KCSE exams, which are known for their intensity and pressure.
In response to the outcry, local education officials have stated that they are investigating the incident thoroughly. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also been called in to look into the matter, with authorities keen on ensuring accountability for actions that compromise student safety and well-being.
As investigations continue, there is a growing consensus within the educational community that measures must be taken to protect students during examinations. Advocates are urging for clearer guidelines on how invigilators should manage suspected cases of exam malpractice without resorting to physical confrontation or intimidation.
The incident at Sironga Girls High School serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by students during critical examination periods. As stakeholders await further developments, many hope that this situation will lead to meaningful changes in how examinations are conducted in Kenya, prioritising student welfare alongside academic integrity.
