School Principals: Teacher Strikes and High Fees Behind Mass KCSE 2024 Failures.
In the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, a staggering 712,537 students failed to meet the minimum university entry grade of C+.
Only 246,391 students, representing 25.5% of the candidates, qualified for direct university admission.
While Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions will absorb those who missed this grade, questions linger about why so many students fail to meet the university threshold.
Causes of Poor Performance
Impact of Teacher Strikes.
School principals in Thika highlighted teacher strikes as a significant contributor to poor results. These strikes disrupt learning, leaving students without guidance for extended periods.
According to James Gitau, Principal of MP Shah Chania High School, minimal teaching during these disruptions hinders students’ ability to perform well in exams.
In 2024, the education sector experienced numerous strikes as teachers pushed for the implementation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
They also protested against delayed promotions, insufficient pay, and challenges surrounding the Junior Secondary transition. Such instability adversely impacts the academic preparedness of students.
High School Fees and Capitation Delays
Faith Mwarama, Principal of Thika Karibaribi Girls High School, pointed out that the high cost of school fees and delayed capitation disbursement further contribute to the poor performance.
Many students are forced to stay home due to unpaid fees, disrupting their studies. Additionally, delayed funds prevent schools from purchasing essential materials for practical lessons and examinations.
Mwarama emphasized that fee arrears and financial struggles have a cascading effect on students’ readiness for exams, leading to poor outcomes.
| Challenges Affecting Performance | Impact |
|---|---|
| Teacher strikes | Minimal teaching, reduced preparation |
| High school fees | Students stay home, missing lessons |
| Delayed capitation funds | Lack of materials for practical learning |
Calls for Government Action
The Principal of Thika High School urged the government to ensure timely disbursement of capitation and NG-CDF (National Government Constituencies Development Fund) bursaries to support needy students.
A well-structured bursary system could enable students to remain in school longer and allow schools to prepare adequately for examinations.
Recommendations for Improvement
The Ministry of Education has been advised to address systemic issues to improve the percentage of students attaining the university entry grade. Key recommendations include:
- Timely Disbursement of Funds: Capitation and bursaries should be released without delays to avoid disrupting school operations.
- Support for Teachers: Addressing grievances related to pay, promotions, and working conditions can prevent strikes and ensure continuous teaching.
- Strategic Planning: Schools need a clear strategy for managing financial resources to meet academic needs promptly.
Read Also: TSC Prioritizes Teachers Aged 50+ in Latest Promotion Recruitment
Future Outlook
As 2025 begins, schools face an uncertain future due to the delayed disbursement of capitation funds. Unless structural changes are implemented, the cycle of poor performance may persist. However, with effective reforms and strategic interventions, stakeholders remain hopeful for improved outcomes in the coming years.
This comprehensive approach underscores the need for collaborative efforts between the government, schools, and the Ministry of Education to secure better results for Kenyan students.
School Principals: Teacher Strikes and High Fees Behind Mass KCSE 2024 Failures.
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