"Exams Are Not a Matter of Life and Death" Ruto Orders Police to Stop Supervising National Exams

President William Ruto has directed that police officers will no longer be involved in the management of national examinations, asserting that tests should be treated as part of the learning process — not as security operations.

Speaking on Friday, January 23, 2026, the Head of State said the move aligns with ongoing education reforms under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, which seeks to ease pressure on learners and emphasise continuous assessment over high-stakes examinations.

“Exams are part of learning. They must not be a life-and-death issue,” Ruto said, underscoring his belief that the presence of security personnel creates unnecessary stress for students.

In announcing the policy change, Ruto stressed that education should remain accessible, supportive and non-intimidating, as Kenya transitions to a system that prioritises holistic development.

He said the withdrawal of police from exam duties is meant to create a calmer environment that helps learners perform to the best of their ability without the added pressure of heavy security.

The President also defended the government’s allocation of KSh44 billion to the education sector, noting that funds have been released for teaching and learning materials, and that schools are equipped to support learners through their academic journeys.