Widespread Cheating Confirmed in 2023 KCSE Exams: A Call for Reform

In a damning revelation, secondary school principals have confirmed widespread cheating in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. This admission follows nearly a year of controversy and speculation surrounding the integrity of the exams.

A comprehensive survey conducted by the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) sought to uncover the truth behind the allegations. The results were stark: 96 percent of principals acknowledged the presence of cheating, while only 4 percent denied any malpractice.

The survey revealed that the cheating was primarily facilitated through the corruption of exam supervisors and invigilators. By accepting bribes, these officials compromised the integrity of the examination process. Additionally, candidates used unauthorized materials to gain unfair advantages during the exams.

The principals identified several key factors contributing to the cheating epidemic:

Pressure from Politicians and the Community: There is immense societal and political pressure on schools to produce top-performing students, which often leads to unethical practices.
Promotion Criteria by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC): The TSC’s current policy of basing teacher promotions on student performance in exams has inadvertently encouraged cheating. Teachers and principals, eager for career advancement, feel compelled to ensure their students achieve high marks, by any means necessary.

In light of these findings, principals have proposed several measures to curb future malpractice and restore the credibility of the KCSE exams:

Independent Status for the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC): Principals suggest that KNEC should operate as an independent body, free from external influences and pressures.
Use of CCTV Cameras: To ensure transparency and deter cheating, it is recommended that CCTV cameras be installed in all exam rooms.
Holistic Development over Exam Results: The TSC should shift its promotion criteria from a narrow focus on exam results to a more comprehensive evaluation of a student’s holistic development. This approach would reduce the pressure on schools to achieve high exam scores at any cost.