KNEC Withholds KCSE Results for Kalonzo Musyoka-linked School Amid Cheating Probe.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has withheld the examination results of all 92 candidates from Mama Malia Academy, a private girls’ secondary school in Tseikuru, Kitui County.
This decision follows an investigation into allegations of examination malpractice at the institution, which is run by the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation.
Investigation into Alleged Cheating
KNEC stated that it is probing complaints of cheating and would communicate its findings once the investigation is complete. The school principal, Naomi Ndambuki, expressed her disbelief upon receiving the letter from KNEC.
She noted that the communication lacked detailed explanations, further heightening anxiety among the affected students.
Mama Malia Academy was founded by Pauline Musyoka, wife of former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka, initially as a rescue center for destitute girls.
The school, named after Mr. Musyoka’s late mother, primarily admits students from underprivileged backgrounds, with most of them receiving sponsorships from the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation.
Academic Achievements
Despite the current controversy, Mama Malia Academy has consistently performed well in national examinations. From 2018, it has been among the most improved schools nationally.
In the 2023 Form Four examinations, the school produced the most improved student nationwide.
Esther Mwikali, who joined the school with 199 marks in her KCPE, achieved a B plain. Additionally, the school ranked as the most improved in the Eastern region in the 2021 and 2022 KCSE results.
Exam Irregularities at Matinyani Boys
Elsewhere, Matinyani Boys Secondary School has faced a similar challenge, with some candidates’ results canceled in the 2023 KCSE examinations. Kitui County Director of Education, Khalif Hassan, confirmed that KNEC flagged a number of students for exam malpractice.
A teacher at the school, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that 12 students received “Y” results, indicating their results were canceled.
The school principal, Nelson Mureithi, did not provide details on the matter. However, discrepancies in the released results raised concerns.
Mr. Mureithi reported results for 316 candidates with a mean grade of 6.582, despite 328 students having been registered for the examination. The missing results fueled speculation that they were either canceled or withheld by KNEC.
This marks the second consecutive year that Matinyani Boys has experienced result cancellations, casting doubt on the credibility of previous performances. The repeated incidents have put the school under scrutiny.
Calls for Accountability
Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze called on KNEC to thoroughly investigate and address the issues at Matinyani Boys. She expressed concern about the potential damage to the school’s reputation and students’ futures. As a former teacher and principal, she emphasized that exam cheating undermines education standards and parental trust.
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“Exam cheating should never be tolerated,” she said, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of education. “I will not watch as my good school is ruined through irregularities.”
Both institutions now await KNEC’s findings, which are expected to provide clarity and accountability. Stakeholders urge transparency to restore confidence in the affected schools and uphold examination integrity.
KNEC Withholds KCSE Results for Kalonzo Musyoka-linked School Amid Cheating Probe.
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