In a comprehensive investigation into allegations of widespread irregularities surrounding the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, a National Assembly committee, led by Hon. Julius Melly, has issued a surprising verdict.
Despite exposing several flaws in the examination administration, the committee declared that the 2022 KCSE results remained largely consistent with previous years.
This development may be a turning point in the ongoing scrutiny of Kenya’s national examinations.
The report, recently submitted to the National Assembly, emphasizes the need for preserving the integrity of the national examinations while highlighting areas of concern.
It acknowledges the existence of isolated instances of examination malpractice, including the use of technology to cheat and the premature leakage of exam papers.
The implicated culprits range from teachers, invigilators, supervisors, principals, security officers, to Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) officials, further complicated by motivational speakers who claim to possess insider knowledge of exam content.
Irregularities identified encompassed collusion, possession of unauthorized examination materials, possession of mobile phones, and impersonation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is actively investigating 44 cases related to the 2022 KCSE examinations, with 17 already in court, and six cases concluded. A warrant for one arrest has also been issued.
This investigation was prompted by a wave of allegations of widespread irregularities following the release of the exam results.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, who strongly denied these accusations, provided the committee with vital insights during its inquiry.
Additionally, stakeholders from across the nation offered written and oral submissions.
The report’s imminent debate in Parliament couldn’t have come at a more critical juncture, with the 2023 KCSE candidates poised to sit their examinations shortly.
Despite the measures put in place by the Ministry of Education and Knec to curb malpractice, these irregularities occurred, pointing to a pressing need for updated regulations capable of deterring emerging technological advancements in cheating.
One of the committee’s major concerns was with the marking of the exams, which they found shrouded in secrecy.
This involved concerns about examiner integrity, the marking schemes, the awarding of marks, and the moderation process.
Examiners were found to endure prolonged working hours, substandard accommodation conditions, and a nine-month delay in receiving their pay.
Another flaw discovered was Knec’s failure to carry out periodic independent audits, which are essential for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
The MPs recommended that teacher promotions be determined by a more comprehensive set of parameters beyond just individual school performance.
Starting from the 2024-2025 examination cycle, teacher promotions should consider factors such as discipline, infrastructural development, co-curricular activities, and personal development.
In a significant recommendation, the committee urged a reshuffling of headmasters’ roles as examination center managers.
From the 2024-2025 examination cycle, headmasters should be deployed annually to administer exams in schools outside their sub-counties.
Furthermore, invigilators, center managers, and supervisors should not oversee exams in the same center for more than two consecutive years.
The report also urged the government to allocate sufficient funds to the Ministry of Education and school boards for infrastructure improvements.
It recommended investments in artificial intelligence-enabled closed-circuit television in all examination centers, a move aimed at enhancing security and deterring irregularities.
Financial support for KNEC was another key area of concern addressed by the committee.
MPs advocated for increased funding to enable Knec to execute its functions efficiently, including paying examiners, transporting examination materials, and providing proper accommodation for them.
Lastly, the report emphasized the need for compassionate measures for candidates who are indisposed or hospitalized for various reasons.
These candidates should not be compelled to write their papers in hospital wards.
Instead, supplementary examinations should be offered to affected candidates within six months of the previous examination.
In addition, the report recommended that the Kenya National Qualifications Authority conduct an audit of the examination processes as soon as Knec releases the results, ensuring transparency and public access to the findings.
As this report now heads to Parliament for further discussion, it remains to be seen how these recommendations will shape the future of Kenya’s national examinations and ensure their integrity in the years to come.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
