This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
As the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations kick off on Tuesday, the nation is abuzz with excitement and anxiety. Over one million Standard Eight pupils are set to begin their exams, a crucial milestone that will shape their progress in the education ladder.
The exams, which have undergone significant reforms since 2016, are expected to be a fair and transparent assessment of the pupils' knowledge and skills. The overhaul of the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) and test management processes has helped to regain the integrity and validity of the exams.
However, the exams are not without their challenges. With the government pushing for 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary schools, the pressure is on for pupils to perform well. Many parents are opting for schools with a long history of success in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam, which has led to a cutthroat competition for Form One places.
As the exams get underway, we urge the administrators to ensure that they are conducted judiciously and without any attempts at manipulating or tampering with the results. Prof George Magoha, the Education Cabinet Secretary, has been a stickler for rules and a ruthless administrator, and we expect him to continue pushing for clean exams.
However, we also caution against being overzealous in fighting cheats, as this could compromise the validity of the exams. The police must operate covertly and avoid intimidating and distressing the young minds. Supervisors and invigilators must create a relaxed atmosphere in the exam halls to help the candidates approach the tests with calmness and optimism.
It's also worth noting that the appearance of top education officials inside the exam room should be minimised, as their official demeanour and unfamiliarity to the candidates can only exacerbate stress and anxiety. Instead, we suggest inspiring the candidates by letting them know that while they should try to do their very best, no one will be left behind in the race for Form One places.
Ultimately, our wish is for all Standard Eight candidates to succeed in their exams and transition smoothly to secondary school. Good luck to them all!
