Jimco , 20 June 2025 {HMC} Somalia has successfully concluded its 12th Grade National Examination for the 2024–2025 academic year, marking a key step in the country’s broader efforts to reform and modernise its education sector.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education announced that 39,382 students sat for the national exams held from June 14 to 19 across the country, which officials described as credible and transparent.

Girls accounted for 42 per cent of candidates (16,356), while boys made up 58 per cent (23,026).

A statement from the ministry said the Banadir region recorded the highest turnout with 23,674 students, followed by Southwest (5,904), Galmudug (3,223), Hirshabelle (2,974), Jubaland (2,097), and Khatumo (1,520).

It said a total of 140 certified centres were used to host the exams—76 in regional states and 64 in Banadir.

The ministry said it deployed 2,908 invigilators, 323 supervisors, and 1,777 security personnel to maintain order and uphold the integrity of the process.

This year’s examination featured key reforms aimed at strengthening credibility and efficiency.

These included the use of QR codes for candidate verification, engagement of qualified national-level teachers, and improved distribution of students to avoid overcrowding.

The ministry also introduced on-site health services and digital attendance tracking to enhance administration.

For the first time, agricultural students were included at the 12th Grade level—an initiative designed to support Somalia’s agriculture sector and diversify academic opportunities.

Education Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir praised the collective effort behind the exams.

“I commend our students for their dedication and perseverance. I thank teachers, parents, exam staff, security personnel, and all partners for their commitment in ensuring this national undertaking was conducted smoothly and credibly,” he said.

Somalia has not had a stable central government since the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime in 1991, but recent years have seen renewed focus on education as a foundation for national recovery.

The ministry pledged to maintain momentum in reforming the examination system and widening access to quality education.

It said it will announce details of the marking process and results through official platforms in due course.

by EMMANUEL WANJALA

Friday 20,June -2025 {HMC}  Kenya’s parliament on Thursday voted to approve this year’s proposed finance law, denying the revenue authority’s request to get unrestricted access to taxpayers’ data on account of privacy concerns and constitutional safeguards.

The government is under pressure to avoid a repeat of last year’s unrest after protests against proposed tax hikes led to over 60 deaths and forced President William Ruto to abandon plans to raise 346 billion shillings in taxes.

Lawmakers voted by acclamation to approve this year’s law, clearing the way for President Ruto to sign and approve it.
Kenya’s parliamentary finance committee rejected on Monday a proposal that would have granted the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) the access to the data.

The provision included in this year’s finance bill had drawn a public backlash over alleged privacy violations. The committee said existing laws allowed KRA to access financial data with a court warrant, rendering the proposal unnecessary.

Finance Minister John Mbadi last week presented to parliament a 4.29 trillion-shilling ($33 billion) budget for the 2025/26 (July-June) fiscal year.

This year’s finance law aims to raise an extra 30 billion shillings ($233 million), mainly through boosting tax compliance.

($1 = 129.0000 Kenyan shillings)

Reporting by George Obulutsa; Editing by Ammu Kannampilly and Ed Osmond

Source

Friday 20,June -2025 {HMC}  The Somali Embassy in Turkey has facilitated the safe evacuation of Dr. Mustafa Ali Macalin, a Somali medical student who sustained light injuries in Tehran following an Israeli airstrike, as tensions continue to escalate between Iran and Israel.

According to a statement from the embassy, Dr. Mustafa, one of dozens of young Somalis studying in Iran, was successfully transferred across the Turkish border with the assistance of Turkish authorities.

The embassy thanked the Turkish government for its swift cooperation in enabling Dr. Mustafa’s safe passage to Turkey, from where he will continue his journey back to Somalia.
Somali Embassy in Ankara reiterated its commitment to assisting Somali nationals in Iran who feel unsafe. “The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Turkey informs Somali citizens in Iran who wish to leave the country due to the ongoing fighting there to contact the embassy for assistance in returning to their country safely. Mobile Number: +90 534 593 3990,” read the embassy’s statement posted on Facebook.

The evacuation comes as Israel continues a series of intensive airstrikes across Iranian territory, targeting civilian areas, hospitals, weapons factories, and critical government infrastructure. The deteriorating security situation has raised alarm among foreign nationals in Iran, including a small Somali community consisting mainly of students and businesspeople.

Somali nationals in Iran have recently held meetings to assess whether to remain in the country or evacuate amid rising insecurity. Dr. Mustafa’s evacuation marks one of the first publicly confirmed Somali extractions amid the escalating crisis.

Source Hiiraan online