Hands off our candidates, MP Mogaka warns invigilators
West Mugirango Member of Parliament Steve Mogaka has warned examination invigilators against harassing candidates during national examinations, saying such conduct undermines learners’ performance and violates their rights.
Speaking Wednesday during a parents’ meeting at Gesiaga Mixed Secondary School in Nyamira County, Mogaka urged the government to rein in rogue invigilators who intimidate students under the guise of enforcing exam regulations.
The Jubilee Party legislator alleged that some invigilators harass candidates in order to extort bribes from schools, adding that such misconduct must be decisively addressed.
“The examination period is a sensitive time for our children. They need encouragement and protection, not intimidation,” Mogaka said.
He emphasized the need to provide a calm, secure and supportive environment for learners sitting national examinations at the end of each year, noting that candidates perform best when free from fear, pressure and unnecessary interference.
Mogaka cautioned that he would not tolerate incidents where officers deployed to oversee national examinations cane or physically assault candidates within schools in his constituency.
“By now I know of a case where an invigilator slapped a candidate in one of the schools around. That is primitive and, as a lawyer, I would sue on behalf of the students if the misdemeanor is repeated,” he warned.
He stressed that while exam integrity must be safeguarded, enforcement of Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) guidelines should be done professionally and within the law.
“Incidents of harassment in the name of enforcing exam integrity should not be reported here. Discipline and compliance must be maintained without instilling fear among candidates,” he added.
The MP called on teachers, parents, invigilators and security officers to strictly adhere to examination regulations while upholding the dignity and rights of students.
At the same time, Mogaka urged parents to prepare learners psychologically and avoid placing excessive pressure on them to achieve specific grades.
“Let us allow our children to do their best. Success comes from hard work and a peaceful mind,” he said.
The legislator also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education initiatives in West Mugirango, including improving infrastructure and learning resources in local schools. He presented Gesiaga Mixed Secondary School with a cheque of Sh1.6 million in bursaries for students.
School principal Dr. Zachariah Ondieki Mokua urged students to uphold discipline and maintain high standards of behaviour, saying discipline is the foundation of academic success and personal growth.
“Discipline is not punishment. It is the ability to do what is right even when no one is watching. Your future depends on the choices you make today,” Dr. Mokua said.
He encouraged students to take personal responsibility for their actions and support one another in maintaining order and focus, while also calling on teachers and parents to work together in guiding learners towards good character and strong moral values.
Gesiaga Mixed Secondary School is among institutions that posted impressive results in the 2025 national examinations.