President William Ruto has announced that police officers will no longer be involved in managing national examinations, emphasizing that tests should be treated as part of the learning process rather than a high-security event.
Speaking on Thursday, Ruto said exams “must not be a life-and-death issue” and urged that the focus shift to supporting students’ educational growth under the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
The move aligns with broader education reforms aimed at reducing pressure on learners by emphasizing continuous assessment and holistic development rather than high-stakes exams. Ruto highlighted the successful transitions between school levels, including the shift from primary to junior school and, recently, from junior to senior secondary, as evidence that the system can function without heavy police involvement.
The President also defended the government’s Ksh 44 billion capitation allocation to schools, noting that teaching and learning resources have been provided, teachers paid, and classrooms equipped. He warned that no child should be denied access to education due to administrative or financial barriers, including the cost of uniforms.
Ruto cited cases where some schools charge as much as Ksh 38,000 for uniforms and directed that students may continue wearing previous-level uniforms temporarily while parents make arrangements.
He reiterated that education is a constitutional right and emphasized collaboration with education partners to remove obstacles that make schooling unaffordable or inaccessible. The withdrawal of police from exam oversight reflects a shift toward a learner-centered system, prioritizing education and student welfare over rigid security protocols.
President Ruto: Police will no longer manage exams! It is not a matter of life and death! pic.twitter.com/cVUfWGLgZL
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) January 23, 2026