Catholic Archbishop in Kenya Encourages Students Sitting for National Examinations

Kisumu, 22 March, 2022 / 8:57 PM

The Archbishop of Kenya’s Nyeri Archdiocese has sought to encourage candidates sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) saying he is praying for their success. 

Archbishop Anthony Muheria who spoke to ACI Africa on the sidelines of the installation of the new Archbishop of Kisumu also called on the candidates to be honest in their examinations. 

“We want to encourage all our students. God has you in his hands. Do not be worried,” Archbishop Muheria said March 19 on the occasion of the installation of Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba.

The Kenyan Archbishop further told the over 800,000 students sitting for KCSE exams, “Work very hard and always remember to ask the guardian angels to walk with you at this time.”

“Please, do not be discouraged. Be sure we always pray for you and for your future,” said the 58-year-old Kenyan Archbishop.

He went on to urged the candidates to do their best in the examination and to “make an effort and pray to God and He will reward you.”

“On every step walk with Christ," he said, urging the candidates to practice integrity during the month-long exams. He added, "Honesty always pays and God will reward you." 

Addressing himself to the parents of the candidates, Archbishop Muheria urged them to continue praying and supporting their children. 

“Dear parents to the children who are doing exams, pray for them. Continue to be their educators and supporters," he said, and added, "Make sure that you keep their dreams awake; a dream not for one and wealth, but a dream for goodness and service."

“Let the great dream they have be accomplished. Pray for them and accompany them," the Archbishop of Nyeri told parents. 

Archbishop Muheria’s message comes amid reports of examination malpractices since KCSE started on March 14.

A man was arrested for allegedly sitting a KCSE exam for his 42-year-old father at a school in the Western Kenya on March 14.

On March 18, 42 students, two teachers, two laboratory technicians, the supervisor and five invigilators were taken to Siaya police station to record a statement after it was discovered that they had a leakage of the Chemistry practical paper that had been administered the same day.

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education, Professor George Magoha issued a tough warning to candidates and teachers who are caught cheating in the examinations.