Teachers Outraged as KNEC Cancels KCSE Marking Invitations Without Explanation.
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has refused to disclose the reasons behind the cancellation of some invitations for marking the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
The Council stated that the justifications remain confidential, leaving many affected examiners in the dark.
KNEC clarified that marking examinations is a confidential process, and it reserves the right to determine who participates.
The Council confirmed that some examiners received revocation messages via text without further explanation. However, it dismissed claims that the revocations were linked to allegations of exam malpractices in certain schools.
“Marking of exams is a confidential process and KNEC may not disclose identities of the examiners. KNEC undertakes due diligence in inviting examiners to ensure reliability and credibility of the process,” said KNEC CEO Dr David Njengere.
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KNEC emphasized its commitment to ensuring the integrity of the marking process, asserting that it conducts due diligence when selecting examiners. According to the Council’s CEO, Dr. David Njengere, the confidentiality surrounding the process prevents the disclosure of the identities of the involved examiners.
Teachers’ Union Decries the Move
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has strongly criticized KNEC’s decision, calling it unfair and unjustified. Vihiga branch Executive Secretary Sabala Inyeni expressed disappointment, noting that some examiners were informed of the revocation after they had already reported to marking centers.
Inyeni argued that teachers should not be penalized without sufficient evidence, adding that most of the affected examiners had no involvement in administering the KCSE examinations.
He accused KNEC of acting erratically and violating principles of natural justice, describing the move as an attempt to reclaim its reputation without addressing the root causes of the challenges.
Teachers Demand Accountability
Highlighting specific cases, Inyeni questioned the fairness of barring teachers without clear evidence. He pointed out instances where teachers, after closing schools and preparing to report for marking duties, were suddenly informed of their ineligibility due to alleged malpractice linked to their schools.
Kisii and Kwale KUPPET branch officials, Joseph Abincha and Leonard Wajewa Oronje, supported Inyeni’s sentiments.
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They criticized KNEC’s decision as a knee-jerk reaction aimed at covering up its inefficiencies. Oronje termed the mass revocation of examiners as a poorly executed strategy to avoid addressing systemic issues within the Council.
Key Concerns Raised by KUPPET
- Lack of Evidence: Teachers barred from marking have not been provided with concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
- Unfair Targeting: Many affected teachers were not involved in administering the examinations.
- Erratic Decisions: KUPPET claims KNEC’s actions violate principles of justice and transparency.
The ongoing dispute highlights growing tensions between KNEC and educators, raising questions about the integrity of the examination marking process and the treatment of teachers entrusted with this national duty.
Teachers Outraged as KNEC Cancels KCSE Marking Invitations Without Explanation.
