Kenyan Dailies, December 20: Tension Over KJSEA Placement Results as Political and Judicial Stories Dominate
What was expected to be a milestone day turned into confusion and panic as candidates waited for hours after the Ministry of Education failed to deliver results as promised
By : Mweru Mbugua
Kenyan newspapers on Saturday, December 20, gave prominence to education, politics and justice, with widespread concern over delayed Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) placement results topping the agenda
Panic and Frustration Over KJSEA Placements – Saturday Nation
Saturday Nation reported rising anxiety among more than 1.13 million Grade 9 learners and their parents following delays in the release of Grade 10 placement results
What was expected to be a milestone day turned into confusion and panic as candidates waited for hours after the Ministry of Education failed to deliver results as promised
Education authorities had earlier announced that results would be accessible via SMS number 22263
However, parents complained that the service only returned generic messages indicating the process was still ongoing, despite each SMS costing KSh 30. Some parents said they sent multiple messages before giving up in frustration
School administrators who tried to assist parents also expressed anger, questioning how much money telecom companies collected from the failed service
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba later assured the public that school placements would be released by noon on Friday while speaking at the 58th Kenyatta University graduation ceremony
20-Year Jail Term for Church Murder – The Standard
The Standard focused on a grim court ruling in Nakuru, where an 18-year-old Form Four student, Lizzy Njeri, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing a three-year-old child inside a church.
The court ruled that the accused posed a danger to society and dismissed claims that she was unconscious at the time of the crime
The judge said the lengthy sentence was meant to punish the brutal act and deter similar offences, despite the convict’s young age
Also read : Police Impersonator Arrested in Meru After Public Tip-Off
Ruto–Kalonzo War of Words Intensifies – Taifa Leo
Taifa Leo highlighted escalating political tensions between President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the 2027 election race begins to take shape. Kalonzo dismissed President Ruto’s criticism of his development record, accusing him of distorting history for political gain
The Wiper Party defended Kalonzo’s role in government, citing his involvement in Vision 2030 planning during the Kibaki administration and accusing the president of taking credit for projects initiated by previous governments
The party also raised issues of governance and integrity, contrasting Kalonzo’s tenure with the current administration.
Oburu Odinga Calls for ODM Unity – Weekend Star
Weekend Star reported on ODM leader Oburu Odinga’s appeal for unity within the party. Speaking at a funeral, Oburu urged dissenting members to return and work together, saying ODM remains the vehicle through which its supporters can achieve their political goals
He defended the party’s participation in the broad-based government, arguing that ODM must be part of government formation to secure better outcomes for its supporters
Oburu also emphasized that ODM is a national party drawing strength from all communities
Overall, Saturday’s newspapers painted a picture of a country grappling with education uncertainty, political rivalry, and calls for unity amid shifting national dynamics
