The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has launched investigations following an incident in Kisii County where students reportedly disarmed a police officer and attacked examination officials.

The incident has raised concerns over the safety of examination officials and security personnel involved in the administration and supervision of national examinations.

The incident occurred on Thursday at Nyabisase Mixed Secondary School, where KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Njegere confirmed that the council was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the confrontation. Njegere was part of the KNEC team that visited the school following the incident.

Police further reported that one of the injured officers was airlifted to Nairobi for specialised medical attention, while Ogembo Level Five Hospital confirmed receiving students who were reportedly semi-conscious after the confrontation.

Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui said those found responsible for committing offences would face prosecution, regardless of their age.

However, the incident has also sparked debate over the security measures deployed at examination centres in the Gusii region.

Officials from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Gusii have questioned the presence of more than 15 security officers at the school, arguing that the heavy deployment created an intimidating environment for candidates and school administrators.

KUPPET Kisii Secretary General Jared Kinyanchui also raised concerns over alleged harassment of school principals by examination officials, claiming that excessive surveillance was putting unnecessary pressure on education administrators.

Despite Thursday's confrontation, the examination exercise resumed at Nyabisase Mixed Secondary School on Friday under heightened police surveillance.

KNEC is expected to release a comprehensive statement on Monday as investigations continue into the incident and the circumstances that led to the confrontation.