Political aspirants’ academic papers being vetted

The Ministry of Education has begun verifying academic certificates of aspirants seeking to contest in the August polls in a move to smoke out those with fake papers.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said on Sunday they intend to only allow the “right people” ascend to positions of leadership.

“I know politicians will not be happy with me on this but we will not retreat,” said Dr Matiang’i, adding that many of the evils bedevilling the country are a product of a system infiltrated by phony political leaders who cheated in their examinations.

“How do you vote and sit pretty at home believing that this person will do much for you during his tenure?” the CS asked.

POLITICAL ELITE

Dr Matiang’i who was speaking in Masimba, Masaba South in Kisii County, called for peaceful elections. He said Kenya is bigger than the political elite and urged those aspiring for political seats to preach peace.

The CS also warned headteachers against charging extra levies in schools, adding that culprits will be sacked.

He said the government was not ready to renegotiate the matter.

“We don’t want our parents to be burdened by a teacher or principal who is sloppy in his duties,” said Dr Matiang’i. “Whenever you hear of one, tell him that it will be a different conversation with him.”

He warned against cheating in exams, saying the government was not ready to go slow on this.

EASIER PATH

“Anybody, be either a teacher or a student, who believes there is going to be an easier path out during the national examinations should forget it,” said Dr Matiang’i.
He added: “We are committed to ensuring this vice is eradicated.”

He said those urging him to go slow on reforms in the education sector were wasting their time and efforts.

Said Dr Matiang’i. “I’m not ready to go slow on this because God has placed each one us somewhere to be a force for the good of our society.”

He also instructed education officials to ensure teachers carry their duties as required and within the law.

ORDERED WORKS

The CS also visited Riatirimba engineering plant at Gesusu, Masaba South Sub-County, where he ordered works to be speeded up.

The plant, with training equipment worth Sh1.4 billion, has stalled for than 10 years.

The CS was accompanied by area Member of Parliament Elijah Moindi and woman rep aspirants Donya Toto and Brigid Ombati.

Mr Moindi said the non-completion of the complex affects students from the county who want to study mechanical courses. The project, the brainchild of a former education minister, Prof Sam Ongeri, was partly done with CDF and a Chinese grant.

The CS later visited Masimba Catholic Parish and attended a Jubilee Party rally at Nyanturago, where Senator Chris Obure took his campaigns for governorship.