As the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams proceed this year, the issue of exam integrity has once again come under the spotlight. Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Belio Kipsang recently attributed much of the responsibility for exam malpractices to parents. Speaking in Nyeri at a meeting with security officials and center managers responsible for exam oversight, Dr. Kipsang emphasized that parental involvement in mobilizing resources to facilitate cheating is undermining the credibility of the examination system.
This year’s KCSE exams, which began on October 22 and conclude on November 22, have seen over 900,000 candidates participate. In an effort to curb cheating, the Ministry of Education introduced several new measures, such as personalized question papers that carry the names of candidates. This step aims to dissuade malpractices by holding individuals accountable. While the PS acknowledged that incidences of malpractice have been minimal this year, he also pointed out a concerning trend where parents have reportedly gone to great lengths to compromise officials and allow students access to unauthorized materials, including mobile phones.
The Role of Parents in Exam Cheating
According to Dr. Kipsang, parents are often the ones financing these dishonest efforts, which he suggests contradicts the four years of preparation students have in secondary school. Parents’ willingness to invest in cheating, he noted, reflects societal attitudes towards academic success, where the end goal often overshadows the means of achieving it. “Our biggest problem in our examinations is we adults, the parents in most cases, because when you hear people saying there’s mobilization of resources to compromise our staff, the people mobilizing resources are not our staff it is we parents,” Kipsang stated.
Kipsang emphasized that the ministry plans to enforce strict accountability for all parties involved, including parents, ministry staff, and any exam officials who breach protocol. “Responsibility will be at a personal level,” he warned, underscoring that any act of malpractice will be met with consequences for the individuals directly involved.
Addressing Teenage Pregnancies and Exam Participation
In addition to exam malpractice, the PS highlighted another growing concern the increasing number of female candidates taking exams in hospitals due to pregnancy. Kipsang noted that teenage pregnancies primarily originate from situations outside school, often involving adults rather than peers. He called for societal reflection and proactive intervention to curb this issue, expressing concern for the future of young girls affected by early pregnancies and abuse. “These teenage pregnancies are not about our young boys, it’s about us adults, and unless we deal with this abuse of our girls, then it’s going to give us problems in the future,” he asserted.
This situation serves as a reminder of the broader societal responsibility to protect young students and ensure they receive an uninterrupted education. The PS’s remarks point to the need for educational and community policies that actively protect students from circumstances that can compromise their learning and overall well-being.
Minimal Cases of Exam Malpractice
Kipsang noted that, so far, this year’s KCSE exams have had only isolated instances of malpractice, such as early exposure of materials and unauthorized phones. He attributed this to the enhanced security measures and the vigilance of officials on the ground. The Ministry’s strategy includes continuously updating examination protocols and investing in new technologies to mitigate cheating.
Nevertheless, the ministry has committed to closely monitoring the exams and swiftly addressing any malpractice cases as they arise. Kipsang reassured that moving forward, individuals found culpable be they parents, students, or officials would face strict consequences.
A Call to Action for Parents and Society
Kipsang’s address serves as a call for parents and the wider community to consider the long-term implications of actions that compromise educational integrity. The PS challenged parents to support their children’s education in ways that encourage honesty and resilience rather than resorting to shortcuts. His words highlight a national need for ethical reform, especially where young people’s futures are at stake.
As the KCSE examinations continue, the Ministry of Education’s vigilance reflects its commitment to upholding examination integrity. However, this mission cannot be fulfilled by the ministry alone; parents, communities, and schools must collaborate to create a supportive environment for students’ genuine success.
