This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
Published on July 1, 2019, the introduction of national exams for Class 3 pupils in Kenya has sparked widespread criticism. The exams, which will be taken by eight-year-olds, are a far cry from the ideal of education as a tool for empowerment and development.
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the exams are meant to assess the level of the child and help teachers understand what their pupils know or do not know. However, critics argue that this is just a euphemism for judging and grading learners, which has serious consequences in Kenya.
Upcountry children, who are forced to grow up quickly due to the harsh realities of rural life, are not ready for national examinations. They are tough and fit, but their education is hindered by the lack of resources and infrastructure in their schools.
The exams will be a disaster, especially for upcountry schools, which will be shut out even further by the politicians. The education sector in Kenya is in shambles, and this is just another example of the mess.
