Education Ministry Tightens KCSE Exam Guidelines Amid Rising Challenges

Education Ministry Tightens KCSE Exam Guidelines Amid Rising Challenges.

Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang reported a rise in hardships affecting students during this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, including an increase in teenage pregnancies and instances of students sitting exams in hospitals due to childbirth.

The Ministry of Education plans to release a detailed report after the exams conclude, documenting all cases of hardship—including students taking exams from hospitals or prisons.

Dr. Kipsang also noted a recent accident involving a day scholar, with police already investigating the circumstances to ensure student safety continues.

In a separate incident, security teams apprehended a suspect in Nakuru after a violent attack on a candidate, providing assurances that the criminal justice system is handling the matter to maintain order.

In efforts to counter exam-related fraud, Dr. Kipsang highlighted the recent arrest of a major scammer responsible for misleading parents and selling fake exam materials via social media.

With the collaboration of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), cybercrime units, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), authorities managed to detain the individual, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to eliminating exam malpractice.

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Dr. Kipsang urged parents and teachers to be vigilant, warning that exam cheats often attempt to leak materials after distribution in exam centers.

Ensuring Security and Fair Exam Conditions

Dr. Kipsang commended the multi-agency teams for enhancing security measures to facilitate a fair exam environment, especially in regions previously troubled by insecurity.

He acknowledged the dedication of teachers and security forces in ensuring exam centers remain safe, with tighter surveillance now in place.

Dr. Kipsang encouraged teachers to monitor students closely to preempt potential security issues, highlighting that responsible adult behavior is crucial to preventing exam fraud.

As Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) advances, the Ministry of Education is preparing for the introduction of senior school pathways in the coming academic year.

Dr. Kipsang explained that students will be placed in specialized pathways—such as Creative Arts, STEM, or Humanities—based on their interests, ensuring each learner finds the right fit for their future studies.

To address infrastructure needs, the government has committed to establishing physical and virtual labs in schools across the country.

Dr. Kipsang stated that 1,600 schools without science labs will have one installed by January 2025, with an additional 2,000 virtual labs being set up.

Furthermore, 18,000 classrooms are expected to be available by January, supported by government grants and community partnerships, ensuring students have adequate learning spaces.

Supporting KCSE Candidates in Challenging Times

The Ministry assured parents of its commitment to support candidates facing difficult circumstances, promising that students who cannot complete exams due to valid medical reasons will be offered the chance to resit under more favorable conditions.

This policy emphasizes the Ministry’s commitment to student welfare and fair assessment standards.

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Dr. Kipsang concluded by expressing gratitude to the security teams, education officials, and teachers for their collaboration, highlighting that the government’s efforts aim to create a secure, fair, and supportive environment for all students during this critical examination period.

Education Ministry Tightens KCSE Exam Guidelines Amid Rising Challenges.

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