KCSE Exams Set to Conclude by End of December as Teachers Threaten Boycott

KCSE Exams Set to Conclude by End of December as Teachers Threaten Boycott.

The national examinations in Kenya face a potential threat from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), who have warned of a boycott.

The union demands improved allowances and working conditions for invigilators, supervisors, centre managers, and examiners. If unmet, they may refuse to participate in the exercise.

The marking of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams is set to be completed by the end of December 2024, before schools reopen on January 6, 2025. An estimated 32,480 teachers will participate in the marking process across 40 marking centres.

Knec’s New Anti-Cheating Measures

To prevent examination malpractices, the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) has introduced stricter measures.

All supervisors, invigilators, centre managers, and other exam personnel are required to keep their phones in lockable desks under the watch of a security officer, with the supervisor holding the key.

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In January 2025, the first group of learners under the competency-based curriculum (CBC) will transition to Grade Nine, the final stage of junior school before moving to senior school the following year. These students will undertake the first-ever Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) at the end of Grade Nine.

Knec had conducted a pilot assessment in July 2024, involving 265 schools across the country. Feedback from this pilot, along with sample test papers, will be shared with stakeholders by the end of the month.

The results will guide the Ministry of Education in placing students in the correct pathways and tracks for senior school.

KCSE Candidature and Examination Schedule

This year, KCSE recorded its highest-ever number of candidates, with 965,501 students registered, an increase from last year’s 903,138.

Rehearsals took place on Friday, and the first exams to be conducted include French (oral), German (oral), Kenyan Sign Language (practical signing skills), and music (practical).

The final paper, physics practical, is scheduled for November 22 after a month-long examination period, which will occur in 10,755 centres nationwide.

To facilitate easier distribution of examination materials, Knec has increased the number of distribution centres from 576 to 617 by adding 41 new containers.

Knec will also administer the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) for Grade Six learners, preparing them for junior school in January 2025.

Unlike other assessments, KPSEA is not used for placement, as the transition to Grade Seven is automatic. This year, 1,313,913 candidates will sit for KPSEA in 32,573 centres. The total number of candidates sitting national exams this year is 2,279,414.

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Additionally, the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (Kilea), which caters to learners with disabilities following a stage-based curriculum, will run concurrently with KPSEA from October 28 to November 1.

The examination period coincides with the onset of the short rains, presenting logistical challenges in distributing materials, particularly in remote areas. For KPSEA, security officers will only handle the distribution and return of materials.

However, for KCSE, at least two security officers will continue to be stationed at each examination centre.

KCSE Exams Set to Conclude by End of December as Teachers Threaten Boycott.

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