Teachers’ unions and education stakeholders are intensifying their push for the Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) to conduct an independent audit of its systems. Recent confusion surrounding the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) grades has raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
Unpacking the Complexities
The 2023 KCPE results, representing the final marks under the 8-4-4 education system, reveal glaring errors in their awarding, thrusting Knec into scrutiny. Led by National Treasurer Mwethi Njenga and Deputy Ronald Tonui, authoritative figures within the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), the demand for an audit on Knec’s systems is clear. Unionists are not merely highlighting administrative challenges within this examination body; they underscore the imperative necessity for a comprehensive investigation.
Questions and Concerns
Key questions emerge: Is there a rush to release results without addressing existing discrepancies? Alleged exam leaks, failure in awarding marks, and delays in payments for those involved with the exam processes at Knec have exacerbated doubts about systemic integrity. Union officials voiced these concerns during the Kuppet Kericho Branch Annual General Meeting, reflecting broader sentiment among teachers, parents, and stakeholders.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives
Collins Oyuu, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary General, offers a forgiving perspective, acknowledging errors as inherent to all processes, even critical ones like examinations. However, he pivots to advocate for Knec to rectify identified anomalies. Chairing the Education Committee within the Council of Governors, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai pushes Knec not just for restoration but for urgent reinstatement, urging swift action to restore stakeholders’ confidence in the examination system.
Call for System Review
Acknowledging errors in the examination results affecting a portion of the 1,406,577 candidates, Dr. David Njengere, the Chief Executive Officer at Knec, assures that all appeals have been reviewed and concerns raised by 133 affected candidates addressed. This admission underscores the imperative need for comprehensive reviews of Knec’s systems to prevent such issues from recurring.
Looking into the Future
The country’s transition from the 8-4-4 education system emphasizes maintaining examination process integrity by stakeholders. The current circumstances provoke contemplation of challenges during results release, including delays and candidate anxiety. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announces a two-week timeline for Form One placement along with early secondary school result releases to alleviate the preparation strain for parents and students.
Conclusion
Reflecting the collective concern for Kenya’s education evaluation processes’ integrity, an independent audit of Knec’s systems is urgently called for. As the government phases out the 8-4-4 system, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining examination results’ credibility become paramount. The challenges surrounding the 2023 KCPE results emphasize the crucial need to conduct a thorough examination of Knec’s systems, not only to address existing issues but also to instill confidence in the future prospects of our education system.