TSC Boss issues warning to teachers who shall be involved in KCSE, KCPE marking exercise (Knec examiners)

TSC LATEST NEWS TODAY, 2021- Teachers have been asked to be wary of the current Covid 19 spate that is ravaging the country. The Teacher Service Commission (TSC) Boss Dr. Nancy Macharia has asked all teachers who will be engaged as examiners in this year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations to ensure they receive the covid 19 jab before travelling to Nairobi. 

While addressing Centre Managers and the media in Mombasa on Friday, March 26, Dr. Macharia reminded the examiners that Nairobi (where most Knec marking centres are concentrated) is the leading county in terms of new Corona virus infections.

”You are all aware that Nairobi and its immediate environs have one of the highest rates of the virus and therefore caution is required,” She warned.

Dr Nancy Macharia, TSC CEO, at Sheikh Abdalla Al Farsi Girls Secondary School in Mombasa County. She addressed the press and witnessed the start of English Paper 1 on Friday March 26, 2021.
Dr Nancy Macharia, TSC CEO, at Sheikh Abdalla Al Farsi Girls Secondary School in Mombasa County. She addressed the press and witnessed the start of English Paper 1 on Friday March 26, 2021.

She said teachers should take advantage of the priority given to them by the government and get vaccinated immediately adding that the 92,850 teachers in public schools above the age of 50 years are also eligible for the vaccine.

”Teachers have been classified as a priority group in the Covid-19 vaccination rollout. Report from the Ministry of Health indicates that there is an upward trend in the number of teachers presenting themselves for the jab,” she said.

Dr. Macharia receives her Covid 19 jab. She has urged all teachers to follow suit and get vaccinated against the killer disease.
Dr. Macharia receives her Covid 19 jab. She has urged all teachers to follow suit and get vaccinated against the killer disease.

The TSC Boss received her jab last week as the Commission launched the teachers’ covid -19 vaccination program.

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”I received my jab last week. I believe that all of you will present yourself to designated centers of health to get the same,” she said.

Speaking in Mombasa on Friday when she supervised the opening of the examination papers container at the Provincial headquarters at Uhuru na Kazi, Ms Macharia said teachers manning this year’s national examinations as Supervisors and Invigilators were found to be suitable and recommended to the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) to participate in the exercise. She lauded them for the good work and sacrifice.

”We know our teachers are some of the best and we expect you to show and maintain the highest level of professionalism as you discharge your duties over these national examinations. I urge all the centre managers to be extra vigilant and ensure that the examinations are guarded,” Macharia said.

A total of 227,000 teachers will oversee the 2020 KCSE national examinations that kicked off on Friday, across the country.

KCSE EXAMINERS INVITED

Meanwhile, the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) has issued marking invitation letters to examiners who will be marking the 2020 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. The Council has at the same time spelled out tough marking conditions for those who shall be willing to participate in the marking exercise. 

Seasoned and new examiners can now download their marking invitation letters for the Knec portal; https://examinersapp.knec.ac.ke/. The examiners have up to the 8th of April to accept or reject the offer. This is after reading the new Marking instructions to all examiners.

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“If you accept the conditions given in the Instructions for this year’s marking, click the accept offer button below (highlighted in green) latest by 8 April,2021. If you do not accept, click them reject offer button (highlighted in red) and give the reason.” Says Knec Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mercy. G. Karogo.

Due to the current Covid 19 pandemic, KNEC has advised the examiners to be wary of the killer disease and observe the Ministry of Health Guidelines to the latter. They will be expected to carry enough face masks, maintain social distance in all areas throughout the marking period and also wash their hands with soap and/or use sanitizers at all times.

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BARRED EXAMINERS

The Council has at the same time barred examiners who are at a high risk of contracting the Corona Virus from reporting to this year’s marking exercise. Expectant mothers and those who are currently breastfeeding will not be allowed to report to the marking centres this year.

“Examiners who are breastfeeding are advised not to report for marking since KNEC does not make any arrangement for babies and their helpers. In addition, marking is strictly residential and therefore such examiners will not be allowed to commute from outside. Examiners are encouraged to defer marking until when their babies are old enough to be left behind at home…. Expectant examiners are equally advised to defer marking for their own safety due to heavy tasks involved until such a time when they can report after delivery and breastfeeding.” Directs Dr. Karogo.

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Also read; TSC recalls staff from leaves, assigns 227,000 teachers to administer KCSE and KCPE exams

But, examiners aged 58 years and above have the option of either forfeiting the exercise or reporting.

“Those (examiners) who are 58 years and above and/or with underlying conditions are advised to take extra precautions during the marking period. Should you feel unsafe, you are free to decline the offer of marking.” She adds.

In the 2019 marking exercise examiners downed tools citing poor marking conditions and low pay. It took the intervention of the Council for the marking to proceed.

This year’s KCSE 2020 exam marking dates will be from 19.04.2021to 07.05.2021.

The KCSE exams will run from Friday March 26, 2021 to Wednesday April 21, 2021. See KCSE Timetable here.

Also read; 2020 KCSE Exam Kicks Off; A round up of happenings countrywide

Close to 699,745 candidates are sitting the KCSE exams.

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