The Art of KCSE Exam Cheating: Policy Makers’ Disconnect and Educational Inequality

The Art of KCSE Exam Cheating: Policy Makers’ Disconnect and Educational Inequality.

The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam season has brought renewed attention to examination irregularities, with incidents involving unauthorized phones, detentions, and confiscated exam materials reported daily.

Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang recently addressed these cases, asserting that no exams were officially leaked, though increased vigilance could be revealing more cheating incidents.

A recent rumor circulated regarding the suspension of Telegram, attributed to its alleged role in sharing exam materials. Although this claim was proven false, platforms like Telegram have reportedly facilitated cheating, with students accessing exams on their devices.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken to social media, highlighting arrests related to these practices, raising questions on institutional integrity and reform continuity in Kenya’s education system.

Policy Makers’ Disconnect and Educational Inequality

Kenya’s policymakers face criticism for being detached from the local education system, as many high-ranking officials enroll their children in private institutions that follow different curricula.

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Consequently, their policies may lack resonance with the experiences of average Kenyan students.

Recently, the Treasury Cabinet Secretary proposed allocating funds for officials’ private insurance, further illustrating this disparity and prompting concerns about officials’ empathy towards the struggles of Kenyan students.

Present economic pressures disproportionately impact students from low-income backgrounds. While in the 1980s and 1990s, university life was financially feasible with meal allowances covering essentials, today’s students often skip meals due to financial constraints.

This financial hardship directly influences their academic performance, further highlighting the urgent need to address Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to education and health.

Examination Cheating

Dr. Kipsang’s statement denying exam theft reflects a broader “post-truth” trend where leaders expect the public to accept their narrative despite evidence.

In 2022, a report to the National Assembly’s Education Committee outlined widespread cheating involving teachers, center managers, and students.

This report detailed how students accessed answers during breaks, often resulting in identical errors across exams. Yet, despite ongoing DCI investigations, few perpetrators face penalties.

Challenges in Reforming Institutional Systems

Kenya’s approach to reform often focuses on creating new systems instead of improving existing ones. National health insurance and housing initiatives are examples where reforms would have been more beneficial than creating entirely new structures.

The education sector faces similar issues, with reform attempts hampered by implementation challenges and limited oversight.

As Kenya navigates educational and economic reforms, the challenges highlighted during the KCSE season reflect systemic issues in governance, public service, and economic policy.

Addressing these challenges requires a cohesive strategy that not only identifies institutional weaknesses but also supports students, traders, and everyday citizens in navigating a rapidly changing economy.

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