The inaugural day of the 2024 KCSE theory examinations was marked by a series of poignant events, including candidates giving birth and experiencing devastating losses.
Tragically, a male candidate from Tigania West in Meru County passed away on Sunday, mere hours before the national exams commenced.
Information regarding the circumstances of his death is limited. Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma confirmed the young man’s death, stating he was prepared to take his exams in the Tigania West Sub-County, but he offered no additional details about the situation.
Ouma conveyed his sympathies by stating, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a student from the Tigania West region.” The ongoing Form Four examinations have drawn attention to the issue of teenage pregnancies, as four candidates are taking their initial papers in maternity wards—specifically in English and Chemistry.
In Meru County, two candidates are sitting for their exams at the Meru County Teaching and Referral Hospital. In Nakuru, a candidate went into labor just two hours before the start of the exams and is now receiving care at the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Job Kaikai, the Sub-County Education Director for Nakuru East, confirmed, “One candidate will take their exams at the county hospital due to impending delivery.”
Meanwhile, at the Kericho County Referral Hospital, a student from Laliat Secondary School in Ainamoi Constituency welcomed a healthy baby in the early hours of the morning.
Joel Tonui, the Nursing Manager at Kericho County Teaching and Referral Hospital, reported, “She gave birth at 3 AM. An emergency procedure was performed, and she will remain here for 3-4 days for monitoring.” In total, Meru County saw 151 adults and 12 prisoners participate in their national examinations.
