The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has announced significant changes to the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, marking a new approach to tackling examination malpractices. According to KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere, these changes are designed to enhance the integrity of the examination process and ensure that all candidates adhere to the highest standards of honesty.
One of the most notable changes is the personalization of exam papers. Each paper will now be pre-printed with the candidate’s name, index number, and other personal details. This innovation aims to directly link each paper to the individual candidate, making it easier to identify and address any instances of misconduct. Njengere emphasized that this new system will ensure that any cheating will be directly attributed to the individual responsible, rather than affecting an entire school or examination center.
“This means that in case of malpractices, we shall ask the candidate why they allowed their paper to be used by someone else,” Njengere stated during a press briefing at Mitihani House. This approach is expected to significantly reduce the instances of cheating, as it becomes more difficult for candidates to pass their papers to others without being caught.
Previously, candidates were required to manually fill in their personal details on the exam papers. The new system eliminates this step, aiming to streamline the process and reduce the chances of errors or tampering. Additionally, Njengere clarified that there will be no additional answer or question papers provided, and principals will not be allowed to photocopy the exam papers—a move intended to prevent unauthorized distribution or duplication.
At the end of each exam session, the portion of the paper containing the candidate’s personal details will be removed and stored separately. This measure is designed to prevent examiners from identifying candidates during the marking process, thus maintaining anonymity and fairness.
Another significant change is the shift in examination venues for private candidates. Starting this year, private candidates will sit their theory exams at the County headquarters, rather than the Sub-County headquarters as was previously the case. This adjustment aims to centralize the examination process and enhance security.
In addition to these changes, KNEC has introduced stricter registration requirements. Only candidates who are properly registered will be permitted to sit for the exams, and they will only be allowed to take the subjects for which they have registered. Njengere noted that the council had given schools a two-month period to ensure accurate candidate registration and conducted campaigns to inform center managers about these new requirements.
With a record 965,501 candidates registered for the 2024 KCSE, marking a 6.89% increase from the previous year’s 903,264 candidates, these changes are timely. The increase in the number of candidates underscores the growing importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
KNEC’s new measures reflect a broader commitment to improving the quality and fairness of education in Kenya. By addressing key areas where malpractice has previously occurred, the council aims to ensure that the KCSE exams remain a true measure of student ability and effort. The changes are expected to bolster public confidence in the examination system and contribute to a more transparent and equitable educational environment.
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