Kibaki assures students of peaceful exams

President Kibaki has reassured the nation that necessary steps have been taken to ensure students sit for their exams in a peaceful atmosphere beginning next week.

The President warned individuals planning to disrupt the national examinations that the government will firmly deal with them.

President Kibaki was speaking on Friday at State House Nairobi when he presented 426 Gold Award certificates to young achievers in various fields .

He advised groups with long-standing grievances to forward them to the government for consideration instead of resulting to lawlessness.

“Those planning to disrupt examinations of our children and other national activities are a primitive lot who should mend their ways before the law caught up with them, indeed it is stupid to even think of interrupting exams that determine the future of our children” said the President.

To strengthen the management of the examination system, President Kibaki said he will be signing into law the examination Bill that provides
punitive action against exam cheating and other malpractices.

The Bill the President signed is the National Examinations Bill that criminalizes the interruption of the exams process and increases penalties
for exam cheating.

He at the same time, called on the youth to support peace and national unity before, during and after the elections. He particularly advised them to shun all leaders who may seek to divide them along tribal or religious lines.

“Say no to violence and chaos. Remember that Kenya belongs to you and the future generations,” President Kibaki said.

The President emphasized the need for the youths to play their role effectively in ensuring that Kenya’s future remains bright and hopeful.

He also encouraged young people to actively participate in the electoral process.

Said the President: “This is a significant event in our history as it will be the first election under the new Constitution.”

President Kibaki reiterated that elected leaders have the potential to transform the country and bring about positive changes in many areas of
society.

He observed that the Free Primary Education and the Free Secondary School Tuition programmes have increased enrollment figures and ensured that more students are transitioning from primary to secondary school.

“We have also facilitated the expansion of the tertiary education sub-sector. Our universities and colleges continue to play an important
role in training the human resource base that we need for the attainment of our Vision 2030,” President Kibaki said.

Congratulating the gold awardees for their hard work and determination, President Kibaki urged them to continue aiming at the highest level of
achievement in all their endeavors.

He also encouraged them to mentor others so that they may benefit from the lessons and opportunities provided by the President’s Award Programme.

Others who spoke during the occasion were the International Award Regional Director-Africa Mr. Edwin Kimani and the President’s Award – Kenya Executive Director Mr. Edwin Otieno.

In attendance were Assistant Minister Jebii Kilimo and acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Mr. Francis Kimemia among other senior government officials.