This archive report was first published on 27 December 2019.
On December 23, the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results were published, revealing a stark contrast between academic giants and those who fail to meet expectations.
According to the results, 72% of the 697,222 students who sat the examination attained 'below-average' grades, leaving 504,415 candidates with disappointing results.
However, as the education system continues to emphasize academic excellence as the key to success, it is worth considering the fate of those who fail to meet these expectations.
As Faith Onyeyea notes in a Daily Nation article, the 'failures' may hold the key to innovation and entrepreneurship, as they are more likely to use their intelligence to create and innovate, rather than being confined to traditional academic paths.
On the other hand, the academic giants who qualify for entry into university may face a bleak future, with unscrupulous lecturers, financial problems, and questionable degree courses waiting for them.
As Onyeyea writes, 'Spoiler alert: It's a horror movie.' The reality is that even after graduating, these students may find themselves competing with their grandparents for jobs, and facing a shrinking economy that makes it difficult to find employment.
But as Onyeyea suggests, the 'failures' may ultimately rise above their academic shortcomings and create a critical mass of workers and entrepreneurs who can drive innovation and creativity.
