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Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha has assured Class Eight and Form Four candidates that they will be examined only on what they have covered in the syllabus.

 Speaking at Mwiki Primary School in Ruiru Constituency, Kiambu County yesterday, Magoha urged the candidates not to panic or be anxious about the nature of examination questions.

 “The government is aware you were out of school for almost nine months. As teachers, we pick what is in your brain not what you do not have,” said Magoha.

 Magoha exuded confidence that the candidates have prepared well and are ready to sit for the examinations in one month’s time.

 The CS urged the candidates to ignore media reports of mass failure from the first assessment of Grade Four learners and Standard Eight pupils by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).

 A National Learning Assessment report, released by the KNEC last week revealed that most candidates failed to attain the minimum benchmark of 50 per cent in most of the subjects assessed.

 “I wish to specifically thank primary school teachers who have used assessment results from KNEC that were released to them in November to address all the gaps that may have arisen from the learners’ long stay at home.

I am confident the candidates will excel in their examinations,” said Magoha.

A total of over 1.1 million Standard Eight pupils are expected to sit the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination between March 22-24.

On pregnant candidates, Magoha assured them the Ministry has put a mechanism on how they will sit for their exams without fail.

“Female candidates who are out of school due to pregnancy, there is no need to be afraid because I have been directed by president Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure you sit for your exam in the most comfortable manner,” said Magoha.

On school fires, Magoha has assured the nation that the government is in control but warned those who are engaging in criminal activities saying their action will follow them forever.