Principals of secondary schools in Kakamega North Sub-county are standing firm in defense of their 2023 KCSE results, emphasizing the authenticity of their achievements despite concerns over perceived poor performance. In a stakeholders’ workshop that brought together school principals, Boards of Management (BoM), Parents Associations (PA), education officers, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) officials, local administrators, and political leaders, the consensus was that the sub-county’s results are genuine and reflect a commitment to integrity.
Upholding Truth and Honesty
Chief Principal of Malava Boys, John Simiyu Wakwabubi, expressed disappointment at criticisms suggesting a lack of improvement in performance. He commended his colleagues for resisting the temptation to cheat, asserting that the sub-county’s results are a product of adherence to Ministry of Education (MoE) policies. He warned against the repercussions of succumbing to cheating, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in examinations.
Population Considerations and Challenges
Kakamega County Assembly Minority Leader David Ndakwa challenged critics to consider factors such as population when evaluating performance. He pointed out the significant difference in the number of candidates between Kakamega North and Mumias East, highlighting the need for a fair comparison. Ndakwa discouraged demoralization among principals, acknowledging the challenges they face and urging stakeholders to avoid politicizing school management.
Call for Early Monitoring and Support
Kakamega North KESSHA chairperson and principal of Malava Girls, Rose Abuko, commended the principals for their efforts in producing genuine results despite challenges. She advocated for early monitoring of learners’ performance from foundational stages, emphasizing the importance of identifying and supporting each learner’s capabilities. Abuko called on the Interior and Education ministries, as well as TSC, to protect principals from public and parental criticism over perceived poor results.
Parents’ Associations and Political Influence
Parents Associations, represented by Dickson Wesonga Mutsuma, criticized political leaders for using education as a tool for popularity. Mutsuma urged politicians to convey the truth about government contributions to school fees, emphasizing that parents are responsible for additional fees. This call aimed to address potential misinformation and create a transparent communication channel between political leaders and parents.
Final Thoughts
The workshop in Kakamega North Sub-county has highlighted the resilience of principals in upholding honesty and integrity in their pursuit of genuine academic results. Despite criticisms, the education stakeholders stand united, emphasizing the need for a fair assessment that considers various factors influencing performance. The call for early monitoring, support for learners, and protection of principals from undue attacks underscores the collective commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment in Kakamega North.