As the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination enters its second week, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has expressed satisfaction with the smooth and seamless administration of the exams across the country. The union, through Kilgoris branch Executive Secretary Willy Korir, commended the examination’s progress so far, underscoring the dedication of all those involved in ensuring credible and reliable results for the candidates.
In a statement from his Kilgoris office, Korir called upon supervisors, invigilators, and all examination officials to maintain the highest standards of professionalism during the entire exercise. “This is a national exercise that carries and reflects the image of our country; therefore, it should be handled with a lot of care and integrity,” he said. Korir emphasized that safeguarding the reputation of Kenya’s education system is crucial, as the examinations play a significant role in shaping both the lives of the candidates and the country’s future.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite minor logistical challenges, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and local education officials have worked diligently to overcome potential disruptions. In the Transmara East Sub-County, Director of Education Walter Wanjala highlighted that the examinations were progressing smoothly, although transportation problems in the remote area posed a challenge. Wanjala noted that despite these obstacles, all centers have been sufficiently supported by a committed team consisting of security officers, center managers, and other critical officials. Their concerted efforts ensure that each center, regardless of location, receives the necessary materials and support to facilitate the examinations.
The logistics team has been instrumental in ensuring that exam papers and other resources reach all examination centers on time. KNEC’s collaboration with county and sub-county officials has also ensured adequate security throughout the exercise, deterring potential malpractice and guaranteeing the integrity of the exams. With nearly 900,000 students sitting for this year’s KCSE examination across the country, ensuring seamless coordination across different regions is critical to achieving credible outcomes.
Student Resilience Amidst Challenges
As the KCSE examinations test the academic readiness of students, they also reveal the resilience of candidates who face challenging circumstances. One such example comes from Transmara East’s Chepkoiyet Secondary School, where a candidate recently gave birth to twins just as the exams commenced. The student is reported to be in stable condition and is sitting her exams from Ndanai Hospital in neighboring Bomet County. Her determination to continue with the exams despite her circumstances has been praised as a testament to the perseverance and dedication of young Kenyans. Education officials have ensured that such candidates are given adequate support to sit their exams in a conducive environment, affirming the country’s commitment to inclusive education.
Maintaining Standards for Credibility
To uphold the standards of the KCSE examination, KNUT and KNEC have consistently emphasized the need for examination officials to exercise impartiality and vigilance. Korir reminded invigilators and supervisors that professional conduct is essential, as lapses in ethics or security could jeopardize the credibility of the results. He urged them to handle the examination papers with utmost responsibility, underscoring that their role is crucial in maintaining trust in Kenya’s education system.
In Transmara East alone, approximately 3,944 candidates are sitting for this year’s examination in 36 centers, a figure that speaks to the widespread participation across rural areas. Officials have taken additional measures to ensure that each center is adequately staffed and that all necessary resources, including emergency health provisions, are available when needed.
Looking Ahead
As the second week of the 2024 KCSE examination draws to a close, education officials and teachers remain optimistic that the exercise will continue smoothly until its conclusion. By addressing logistical challenges, providing support for candidates facing difficult circumstances, and prioritizing professional conduct, KNUT and KNEC aim to set a standard that will uphold the credibility of Kenya’s education system.
The commitment displayed by all involved parties teachers, supervisors, security personnel, and candidates—serves as a reminder of the resilience that defines Kenya’s education sector.
