Civil society organizations in North Rift have asked the ministry of education through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), to give special consideration to candidates in Kerio Valley who are set to sit for KCPE and KCSE from March.
Led by the director of the Center for Restoration of Human Rights and Democracy Kepha Were, the human rights defender said candidates in the troubled valley will be disadvantaged if the council administers the same exam across the country.
“Candidates in the banditry-prone Kerio valley are not adequately prepared for the national examinations because they have been out of classrooms fearing for their lives. The government should be very fair with them. The candidates should be given special exams, if a candidate in Kerio Valley scores 50 out 500 marks, that should be equated to a candidate who scores 190 marks ” Were said.
Were also challenged the ministry of interior and coordination of the national government to beef up security in the valley so that normalcy is restored.
“It is very sad that the government of Kenya has neglected the people of Kerio Valley. Our 2010 Constitution clearly stipulates that it is the duty of the government to protect people’s lives and property. We are asking the minister of interior Dr. Fred Matiang’i to ensure that the people living in the valley and their properties are secured,” he added.
He also urged political leaders, religious leaders and professionals from West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties to hold a series of peace meetings in the three counties so that insecurity in the region is addressed.
“This is my special appeal to Prof. John Lonyangapuo, Alex Tolgos, Stanley Kiptis, all religious leaders and professionals; please you have a duty of ensuring that Kerio Valley becomes peaceful. All of you should sit down with your people and agree to end cattle rustling” he said.
