As the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations approach, secondary school principals are advocating for a series of robust measures aimed at curbing cheating. Scheduled rehearsals on October 18, followed by the actual exams from October 22 to November 1, have prompted the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) to push for enhanced security protocols and stricter oversight.
The principals are calling for the government to implement mobile signal jamming in examination centres. Despite the ban on mobile phones during exams, there have been allegations of collusion involving rogue officials and teachers. KESSHA chairperson Willy Kuria emphasized the need for rotation among invigilators to reduce familiarity and potential collusion, suggesting that frequent changes would help ensure integrity in the examination process.
To bolster security, the principals propose the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor examination halls continuously. Currently, candidates undergo physical frisking by invigilators, a process that has proven inadequate in preventing the smuggling of mobile phones and other unauthorized materials into exam rooms. Reports indicate that some candidates have successfully brought in prohibited items, undermining the credibility of the examination process.
In addition to enhancing surveillance, KESSHA advocates for the deployment of specialized screening gadgets at examination centres. These devices would help identify hidden mobile phones and other illicit materials, further safeguarding the integrity of the exams. The principals argue that a more technological approach is essential, given the persistence of cheating methods.
The restructuring of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has also been proposed to grant greater autonomy and independence, thereby sealing loopholes exploited by dishonest actors. This move aims to minimize external influences that can compromise the examination’s integrity. As part of this restructuring, the principals recommend that only secondary school teachers should serve as invigilators. Their familiarity with high school students allows for better management and control during the examination, thereby reducing opportunities for cheating.
KESSHA also emphasizes the need to adhere strictly to the law that bans the ranking of schools and candidates. This policy was instituted to alleviate undue pressure that could lead to malpractice. By eliminating competitive rankings, the association believes that the focus will shift towards authentic learning and evaluation, rather than merely chasing high scores.
Furthermore, the principals have identified issues within the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) promotion policies as contributing factors to cheating. Current practices reward school administrators based on performance metrics, creating pressure to achieve inflated results. KESSHA proposes a shift in promotion criteria that prioritizes holistic student development over mere examination outcomes.
To strengthen the fight against cheating, KESSHA insists that teachers caught facilitating cheating should face severe repercussions, including arrest, charges, and dismissal. This proposed deterrent aims to discourage any shortcuts that threaten the education system’s integrity.
Financial resources allocated to schools also require reconsideration. KESSHA advocates for a needs-based funding approach, ensuring that resources are distributed according to the specific requirements of each school, rather than solely based on enrollment numbers. Adequate funding is essential for proper preparation of candidates and the overall enhancement of educational standards.
The 2022 KCSE was marred by cheating allegations, leading to suspensions of various education officials. The ensuing investigation by MPs raised concerns about the reliability of the examination results, particularly after some schools exhibited uncharacteristically high performance. The Education Committee’s findings revealed that mobile phones were frequently employed in cheating schemes, further underscoring the urgent need for effective intervention.
As the 2024 KCSE exams approach, the proposals put forth by secondary school principals underscore the necessity for a comprehensive strategy to restore integrity and confidence in the national examination system. Without decisive action, the risk of cheating and its repercussions on the education sector remain a pressing concern.
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