Do not use national exams as money minting business, KUPPET tells KNEC

The Kenya Union
of Post Primary Education Teachers has warned the ministry of education and the
examination council (KNEC) against staking the lives of teachers and students
for money.

This comes
after complaints from various schools ensued about the use of a hazardous chemical
used in Chemistry Paper 3 practical exams on Friday.

Speaking during
a press conference with reporters at Kuppet offices Nairobi, Chairman Omboko
Milemba claimed that the move by KNEC to direct the use of xylene chemical,
which was supplied by a single supplier, was a money minting business.

“We have
established that Xylene chemical is expensive.., a litre of the chemical cost
Sh. 10,000 yet the tender was given to a single supplier. You can imagine how
much money the single supplier made,” claimed Mr. Milemba.

He added
that exam matters should not be put to business for the befits of some
individuals who ‘make money at the expense of other people’s life’.

The union
wants the ministry and KNEC to be answerable to the concern raised by teachers
concerning the chemical.

Secretary
General Akello Misori said the union is undertaking an assessment about the extent
of injuries caused by the chemical to teachers, with a view of taking legal action.

Misori added
that KNEC should adopt a well-established safety measures to protect teachers
and students during future exams.

“We urge
KNEC to allow ample time for teachers to prepare for practical exams. At the moment
there is limited time for teachers to prepare chemicals, especially owing to
the fact that most schools do not have lab technicians, depending on teachers
to prepare the samples for students,” said Misori.

Reports shows
that scores of students and teachers were affected and some admitted to
hospitals after using Xylene chemical as a solvent in Friday exams.

In Trans
Nzoia County, a teacher from St Monica Girls Kitale was admitted to Galilee hospital
after developing complications caused by fumes inhaled from Xylene.

According to
the safety data sheet of the chemical, Xylene affects the fertility of the
unborn children, which might have prompted Ms Cherusha Nyakeri, an expectant
teacher at Tidea Girls High School, hospitalized after being exposed to Xylene fumes.