The Government has assured that security officials are closely monitoring preparations for Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) Education and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) examinations which kick off next week, to curb any interference.

The State has further affirmed that it has crafted a multi-agency team to ensure that all systems are in place to guarantee the credibility KCPE and KPSEA examinations and that the process runs smoothly.

Nakuru County Commissioner Dr Lyford Kibaara indicated all the managers at the 480 examination centres within the devolved unit have been sensitized on the need to uphold high standards of integrity to ensure that the process is not compromised.

KPSEA and KJSEA under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) are scheduled to begin next week on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Speaking during celebrations to mark this year’s Mashujaa Day at Mazembe Grounds in Kaptembwa Ward Dr Kibaara stated that preparations had been put in place to avert cases of cheating during the tests. He assured parents that security personnel were on high alert ahead of the examinations

Dr Kibaara said various state agencies including National Government Administration Agency (NGAO) National Police Service (NPS), Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Nakuru were ready for the exercise to be administered by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).

The administrator assured that armed security officers will be deployed in all areas where test materials will be stored, administered and when on transit.

“Good management of national examinations will depend on the integrity of the personnel involved in security, supervision and invigilation since they are in direct contact with the candidates. Every examination center will be manned by at least two armed officers,” he stated.

He warned parents in Nakuru against taking their girls through the outlawed cultural practice FGM.

Dr Kibaara said some parents take advantage of the school holiday to circumcise their daughters. He asked them to embrace the alternative rite of passage.

Dr Kibaara said the administration is vigilant to ensure no girl is taken through the retrogressive practice that interferes with their health and even education.

He indicated that though a heavy presence of security officers will be deployed throughout the county during this year’s festive season as the country prepares to mark Christmas and New Year Kenyans should be vigilant and be on the lookout for “suspicious persons and activities” and report them to the police.

He assured residents that security personnel will be on standby round the clock during the festivities to receive information from the public.

The County Commissioner further warned against criminals who may take advantage of the festivities to commit various crimes including muggings and burglaries.

Even though they are doing their best, Dr Kibaara said members of the public can play a role in combating criminal activities by reporting all cases to allow commanders to do mapping of hot spots and deploy reinforcement.

He urged parents to take care of their children during the holiday season adding that they should be close to their children and talk to them to understand the hurdles they face and guide them.

“This is a long holiday. We are asking parents to control their children’s lives; ensure they know when they go in and out and whom they interact with. We want these children back in school in January,” he said.

The administrator said it is easy for parents to discover when their children are engaging in questionable activities if they take time to talk to them.

As children of all walks of life congregate for the Christmas festivities, Dr Kibaara said there is a risk of disciplined kids having their morals corrupted and asked parents to be on the lookout.

“Parents need to closely monitor their children during the long school holiday to protect them from falling into drug and substance abuse or engaging in irresponsible sexual behavior. parents play a critical role in guiding and safeguarding their children to ensure they remain focused on their education,” he added.

The County Commissioner told members of organized criminal gangs to surrender or be dealt with ruthlessly but within the law.

He warned criminal gangs in the county that they would be crushed, adding that security agencies have intensified their crackdown against criminal elements that have been terrorizing residents in all the 11 Sub Counties.

While calling on parents to see to it that their children keep off crime the County Commissioner assured gang members who surrender that they would be reintegrated in the society.

He urged residents to support security organs by giving information on those they suspected do not mean well for the security of the country.

“A lot has been said and we will not talk any more. All we are requesting is for Kenyans to back us in whatever we are doing. Criminal gangs prefer death and destruction. This is the time to reclaim our value of humanity,” he added.

The County Commissioner said that the crime hampers development and job creation anywhere in the world

Police in Nakuru have been grappling with gangs among them the Confirm, Gaza, Mauki, Dragon and new ones like Eastlando and Msafi Kwanza, which have in the past terrorized residents in various estates, especially in the informal settlement areas.

He called on young people to shun involvement in criminal activities, adding that criminal elements will not be tolerated.

Governor Susan Kihika called for proactive interventions to prevent political and ethnic tensions from escalating into violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ms Kihika urged peace actors and law enforcement agencies to act firmly against individuals who exploit ethnic identities to divide Kenyans.

In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Governor Dr David Kones she urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate politicians who use their communities to fuel division and ensure those found culpable face the law without fear or favor.

“We can disagree, but we must not dress hate as courage and disunity as patriotism,” said Kihika.

She highlighted that Nakuru County’s diversity should be a source of strength, not a tool for political mobilization and division.

“We must act early whenever we see signs of hatred, incitement, or ethnic tensions before they escalate into violence,” she emphasized.

Governor Kihika noted that sustainable peace cannot be separated from inclusive socio-economic development.

She cautioned political leaders against reckless rhetoric, urging them to exercise responsibility in their public statements and avoid rhetoric that could deepen ethnic divisions, emphasizing that political competition must not undermine peaceful coexistence.

Ms Kihika said the lessons from the county’s past should continue to guide efforts to protect peace and ensure that political competition does not reverse gains made in reconciliation and development.

She urged residents to reject messages that seek to portray other communities as enemies and instead focus on issues that unite Kenyans.

Deputy Governor Dr Kones called on Kenyans to reflect on the nation’s journey and renew their commitment to building a safe, just and united country as the nation marks Mashujaa Day.

He paid tribute to the men and women whose sacrifices laid the foundation of the Republic.

Dr Kones described them as the “gallant heroes and heroines whose courage, sacrifice and selflessness built the nation’s enduring spirit.”

“On this day of reflection and pride, let us renew our commitment to nation-building and to the vision of a safe, just and united Kenya,” he said.

He stated that the values for which Kenya’s heroes fought remain the pillars of national unity and progress.

“As we celebrate Mashujaa Day, we pay tribute to the gallant men and women whose courage, sacrifice and selflessness laid the foundation of our great Republic,” he said.

“Their spirit continues to inspire our collective pursuit of peace, unity and national progress.”

The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the County government’s commitment to safeguarding those ideals through sustained efforts to strengthen cohesion, governance and stability across all the sub-counties.

“We remain steadfast in safeguarding the values our heroes fought for, ensuring security, stability and effective governance in every part of our county,” he said.

The annual event honours heroes and heroines from the independence struggle as well as individuals who have made outstanding contributions in fields such as peace-building, governance, culture, entrepreneurship and sports.