The unveiling of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2023 results by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu was not without its moments of humor, but it also shed light on areas of concern, particularly the decline in performance in certain subjects. Machogu, known for his candid remarks, left ministry officials amused as he delved into the factors contributing to the decreased performance in key subjects.
Addressing the audience, Machogu pointed out a notable decline in performance in English, History and Government, Geography, and Agriculture. Drawing laughter from the delegates, he offered a unique perspective, suggesting that the timing of these exams might play a role in the observed dip.
“You know it is always the norm for the candidates to sit in for History and Geography and these other subjects in the afternoon, you know, the early exposure, you know,” he remarked. This light-hearted observation hinted at the potential impact of exam timing on candidates’ performance and added a touch of humor to the serious discussion about educational outcomes.
In addition to History and Geography, Machogu highlighted a decline in performance in Physics, power mechanics, art and design, and Home science. This comprehensive evaluation of subject-specific challenges underscores the need for a nuanced approach to address the multifaceted issues contributing to poor performance.
Machogu expressed his concern over the increased number of candidates scoring a mean grade of E, stating, “I am pained by the fact that a large number of candidates still ended up scoring a mean grade of E in the 2023 KCSE Examination even after the Ministry used a more flexible system of computing the final overall candidate results.” This acknowledgment of the pain felt adds a human touch to the education official’s role, emphasizing the shared commitment to the success of every student.
To tackle the issue head-on, Machogu directed the Directorate of Quality Assurance to collaborate with field officers and teachers in investigating the cases where candidates scored a mean grade of E in each county. The call for a thorough investigation reflects the Ministry’s dedication to understanding the root causes and implementing targeted solutions.
The directive outlined by Machogu ensures accountability, with officers expected to submit a detailed report within one month for further action. This proactive approach aligns with the ongoing efforts to enhance the integrity and reliability of examination results.
Amidst these educational insights, the release of the KCSE 2023 results serves as a reminder of the dynamic challenges faced in the quest for academic excellence. Machogu’s candid yet thoughtful remarks provide a glimpse into the complexities of the education system, emphasizing the importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation to ensure the success of future generations.
