As the country eagerly anticipates the release of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, concerns have emerged regarding potential delays and alleged manipulation.
Speaking during an education tour in Mombasa ahead of next week’s school reopening, Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang firmly denied these claims and provided clarity on the reasons behind the timing of the results release.
Dr. Kipsang addressed rumors suggesting that the delay in releasing the results was meant to favor giant national schools. He assured the public that such allegations were baseless and reiterated the Ministry of Education’s commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity in the examination process.
“This is the second year we are releasing results at the beginning of the year,” he explained. “The trouble with releasing results in December is that it often invites criticism about rushing the process. We decided to take our time to ensure all issues are addressed and that the results are released smoothly.”
This shift in the timing of results release is part of a broader strategy by the ministry to improve accuracy and fairness, ensuring that the final results reflect the true capabilities of the students.
Dr. Kipsang acknowledged that this year’s examination cycle felt different due to the absence of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, which were phased out under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) reforms.
“It’s like something is missing,” he remarked, referring to the noticeable gap left by the absence of KCPE. However, he assured the nation that this adjustment was part of the transition to the new education system and did not affect the KCSE examination processes.
The ministry’s focus remains on ensuring that all procedures, including marking and verification, are completed with the highest standards of integrity.
To ease the growing anticipation, Dr. Kipsang announced that the KCSE results would be released within the next 10 days. He emphasized that the extended timeline was meant to enhance the credibility and accuracy of the results, addressing all potential issues before the final release.
“Taking time ensures everything is done right,” he stated, dispelling fears of manipulation or delays caused by inefficiency.
The release of KCSE results is a significant event for the country, as it impacts students’ transition to tertiary education and career opportunities. Public confidence in the examination system is, therefore, paramount.
To maintain this confidence, Dr. Kipsang urged all stakeholders to support the ministry’s efforts to uphold transparency and fairness. He emphasized that the credibility of Kenya’s education system hinges on the integrity of its examination processes.
As the education calendar aligns with the new academic schedule, the Ministry of Education continues to adapt to changes brought about by the CBC reforms. The assurance of timely and accurate KCSE results is a testament to the ministry’s dedication to fostering trust and upholding standards in the education sector.
With the promise of results within 10 days, Dr. Kipsang’s remarks signal a strong commitment to ensuring fairness and accuracy, reinforcing the ministry’s role as a custodian of Kenya’s educational integrity.
