This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
December 3, 2019, marked a significant development in the marking of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams as teachers downed their tools to protest poor pay and inhuman conditions.
According to reports, examiners at Machakos Girls High School and Starehe Girls Center refused to work, demanding an increase in their pay from KSh 46 per paper to at least KSh 68.
GSU officers were deployed to the centers to enforce the order, but the examiners remained resolute in their strike.
Robert Alai, a blogger, was among the first to share the reports on social media, tweeting, 'I am told that markers of KCSE are on strike over payments. He he he. Otek!!' He also shared a photo of the examiners' living conditions, saying, 'Machakos Girls KCSE marking centre as well as Starehe Girls on strike. They want per script fee increased from Ksh 46 to Ksh 68.Poor sleeping conditions be improved.'
Other social media users also shared disturbing pictures of the examiners' living conditions, with some comparing it to being homeless.
The strike has raised concerns about the quality of the marking process, with some stakeholders questioning the rush to release the results before Christmas.
