The Ministry of Education, through Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, has reassured Kenyans that the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results will be released on time, dispelling fears of delays or potential manipulation.
Speaking during an education sector tour in Mombasa ahead of the school reopening next week, Dr. Kipsang emphasized that the results would be ready within the next ten days, adhering to the release timelines observed since 2023.
Dr. Kipsang’s assurances come amidst speculation that the delay might be linked to alleged malpractices or favoritism toward elite national schools. However, the PS attributed the timeline to a deliberate effort to ensure accuracy, integrity, and fairness in the examination process, insisting that the system in place guarantees a smooth and reliable release.
For decades, KCSE results were traditionally released in December, but the Ministry revised this approach in 2023. Dr. Kipsang explained that releasing results at the beginning of the year allows examiners adequate time to address all arising issues and ensure accuracy.
“This is the second year we are releasing results at the beginning of the year,” said Dr. Kipsang. “When we released results in December, there were claims of hurrying through the process. Taking extra time ensures smooth operations and eliminates loopholes for errors or unfair practices.”
However, Dr. Kipsang acknowledged that the absence of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination this year might have created a perception that something was amiss. With the education system transitioning to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) for Grade 6 learners has replaced KCPE.
The 2024 KCSE cohort represented the largest group of candidates in the history of the examinations, posing logistical challenges for the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). Marking for this significant number was completed nearly a month ago, and KNEC is currently conducting detailed analyses to ensure fairness and transparency.
An insider at KNEC attributed the extended time frame to the sheer volume of candidates and a deliberate focus on addressing concerns over examination malpractices raised by examiners. The council is also concurrently analyzing KPSEA results, further stretching its resources.
Allegations of malpractice, including collusion, possession of unauthorized materials, and use of mobile phones, have fueled calls for rigorous scrutiny of the examination process. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba downplayed the scale of malpractice, referring to the incidents as “few.” However, KNEC is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to ensure the credibility of the 2024 KCSE results.
Dr. Kipsang assured stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students, that robust measures had been implemented to uphold the integrity of the examinations. “We have put in place structures to ensure that every student receives the results they have genuinely worked for over the last four years. I can confidently state that the process has gone very well,” he affirmed.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) has called for fairness in the marking and grading processes, urging KNEC to maintain unbiased evaluation standards. Led by National Chairman Willy Kuria, KESSHA highlighted the need for administrative and policy reforms to further strengthen examination credibility.
Among their proposals is the cessation of school ranking, which they argue creates undue pressure on schools to manipulate results for competitive advantage. KESSHA also criticized the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for linking teacher promotions to student performance, a practice they claim incentivizes malpractice.
“Promotions based on performance pressure teachers to achieve high mean scores, sometimes at the expense of ethics,” noted Kuria. “We need to focus on holistic student development rather than mere academic results.”
KESSHA has also called for broader policy changes to shield examinations from political interference and ensure the promotion of equitable education practices. Key recommendations include:
Changing Promotion Criteria: Moving away from performance-based promotions and adopting a holistic evaluation approach that considers co-curricular activities, mentorship, and community service.
Ending Political Influence: Establishing safeguards to insulate the examination process from political agendas and external pressures.
Reforming Administrative Practices: Revisiting policies such as issuing warning letters to principals for poor performance, which KESSHA argues undermines school leadership.
Since 2016, significant reforms initiated by then-Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i have transformed Kenya’s examination landscape. These reforms introduced tighter security measures, stricter supervision, and faster result processing. However, they also highlighted long-standing issues like result manipulation and the need for deeper systemic changes.
KESSHA and other stakeholders have lauded these reforms but emphasize that more work is needed to sustain and enhance their impact. “Reforms must be ongoing and adapt to emerging challenges,” remarked Kuria.
Public trust in the education system hinges on the perceived integrity of national examinations. Delays in releasing results often trigger speculation about potential irregularities, undermining confidence in the system. By taking a transparent and systematic approach to the 2024 KCSE results, the Ministry of Education aims to restore and strengthen this trust.
Dr. Kipsang reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the credibility of the education sector. “We are dedicated to ensuring that our systems work efficiently, fairly, and transparently. The KCSE results reflect the hard work of our students and teachers, and we will safeguard that integrity,” he stated.
As Kenya transitions fully to the Competency-Based Curriculum, the education system will undergo significant changes, including the phasing out of KCPE and the introduction of new assessment models. These changes present opportunities to address historical challenges, such as examination malpractices and unfair promotion criteria, while fostering a more inclusive and equitable system.
The imminent release of the 2024 KCSE results will be a litmus test for the Ministry of Education’s ability to manage large cohorts and uphold examination integrity. Stakeholders are optimistic that the measures in place will ensure a smooth process and set a precedent for future examinations.
In the words of Dr. Kipsang, “Education is the foundation of our nation’s future, and we must all work together to safeguard its integrity.”
