This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
Uhuru Kenyatta Supports Scrapping National Exams for Grade 6 Pupils ¶
On August 16, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced plans to scrap national exams for grade 6 pupils, replacing them with a new curriculum-based assessment system.
According to the President, the new system will allow pupils to progress to secondary school without having to sit for national exams. Instead, they will be assessed based on their performance in the new curriculum.
Uhuru Kenyatta emphasized the importance of promoting talent and creativity in children, saying that every child has unique talents that should be nurtured. He also highlighted the need to reduce the pressure on pupils to perform well in exams.
"Lazima tuhakikishe wanafunzi wanapata ustadi kuliko kuwawekea shinikizo wafanye kosi fulani. Kila mtoto ana talanta yake, na letu linafaa liwe kukuza hizo talanta wengine hawajazaliwa wawe madaktari mbali seremala na washi," Uhuru Kenyatta said.
Uhuru Kenyatta also called on the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) to support the new system, saying that it will help to promote quality education in the country.
"Ni afadhali mwanafunzi aketi chini ya mti na kitabu na kalamu kuliko awe akirandaranda mitaani akinusa gundi eti kwa sababu hatuna madarasa," Uhuru Kenyatta said.
