This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
As the national examinations approach, concerns about exam cheating have resurfaced. The problem, which was thought to have been eradicated by former Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i's measures, has crept back in.
According to reports, the masterminds of this dishonest culture are back in full swing, despite the strict enforcement of relevant policies. The ministry, now under Prof. George Magoha, has taken measures to flag some counties as cheating hotspots, but this move may only serve to distract honest learners in the concerned regions.
The blanket accusation of cheating in certain counties is unfair to learners who are working hard to achieve honest results. Instead of such generalised accusations, the authorities should be extra-vigilant and employ intelligence to curb the cheating vice.
It is essential that the monitors silently do thorough investigations and come up with choreographed plans to pursue the rogue centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators until they are brought to book. Their activities must not deter focused learners, only the real culprits should face the full force of the law.
Collaboration between the ministry, school heads, parents, and learners is crucial to fully stamp out the vice. We must also end the culture of using school grades as a measure of learners' success in life and embrace harmonious growth.
What matters in life is doing your best and achieving your full potential, not getting the highest grade in the school exam. We must tell our learners that they are not limited by school grades if they have the right spirit to give their all in all endeavours.
