Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu is set to unveil the highly anticipated 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results in Eldoret, marking a departure from the usual trend of pre-Christmas releases. This delay, the first in five years, has stirred curiosity and speculation among stakeholders.
Machogu, currently at Eldoret State Lodge, is scheduled to brief President William Ruto before the official release at Moi Girls Eldoret on Monday. The prolonged wait for the results has been attributed to an extensive verification process, a response to the turmoil that marred the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
State House Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam affirmed Machogu’s presence at Eldoret State Lodge for a session with President Ruto, adding an air of importance to the upcoming results revelation.
The KCSE exams, spanning from October 23 to November 24, engaged 903,260 candidates. The delay, explained by Machogu, is a result of meticulous verification and validation processes following the uncertainties in the KCPE results.
In an effort to ensure credibility, the marking centers were increased from 35 to 40, enhancing working conditions for those involved in the evaluation process. Machogu assured the public that the results would be credible and reflected the students’ true abilities.
A significant development for the 2023 results is the introduction of a new grading system, unveiled in August. This system, aligned with recommendations from the Presidential Working Party of Education Reforms, focuses on subjects where candidates excel, reducing the number of compulsory subjects.
Under the revised grading system, candidates will only be mandated to take two compulsory subjects: Mathematics and any language (Kiswahili, English) or Kenya Sign Language (KSL). This shift aims to empower learners to explore subjects they excel in, recognizing the unfairness of the previous system to students with strengths in non-compulsory subjects.
Machogu emphasized that this change would likely result in a higher number of students qualifying for university entry points. The entry grade for university education is expected to witness an increase, fostering inclusivity and acknowledging a broader range of academic strengths among students.
Despite the delay, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) urged Machogu to prioritize the thorough analysis of results. KNUT national vice chairperson Aggrey Namisi stressed the need for ample time for examiners to ensure accuracy and credibility, echoing concerns raised during the KCPE examination release.
As the nation eagerly awaits the 2023 KCSE results, Machogu’s commitment to credibility, coupled with the introduction of a revamped grading system, marks a pivotal moment in the Kenyan education landscape. The delayed release, while unconventional, underlines the dedication to providing accurate and fair assessments for the nation’s students.