The Ministry of Education has sought to allay fears about delays in releasing the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results. Speaking during an education tour in Mombasa, Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr.Belio Kipsang assured the public that the process is on schedule, with results expected within the next ten days.
Despite concerns raised by stakeholders, including claims of potential result manipulation, the Ministry has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the examination process.
Dr. Kipsang emphasized that the timeline for releasing KCSE results has not changed compared to previous years. For two consecutive years, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released results in January, following reforms aimed at ensuring thorough analysis and eliminating malpractices.
“This is the second year we are releasing results at the beginning of the year,” Dr. Kipsang noted. “In previous years, results were released in December, but we received feedback that the process felt rushed. We decided to take additional time to ensure that all issues are addressed before releasing the results.”
This year’s KCSE examination saw the largest number of candidates in Kenya’s history, contributing to the extended timeline for analysis. KNEC is also finalizing results for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) taken by Grade 6 learners in preparation for their transition to junior secondary school in January 2025.
The 2024 KCSE examination season was not without controversy. Reports of malpractices, including collusion, possession of unauthorized materials, and use of mobile phones during the exams, emerged from various centers. Although Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba downplayed the extent of the malpractices, he acknowledged the need for vigilance in maintaining the credibility of the national exams.
A source within KNEC revealed that the council is conducting a meticulous analysis of the results to uncover any irregularities. This approach aligns with reforms introduced in 2016 under then Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, which aimed to strengthen examination integrity and restore public confidence in the education system.
Dr. Kipsang reassured stakeholders, stating, “We have put in place robust structures and systems to ensure the smooth running of exams. Examiners were given adequate time to evaluate scripts thoroughly, ensuring that each student receives results that accurately reflect their effort over the past four
While the Ministry has emphasized its commitment to fairness, stakeholders in the education sector have raised broader concerns. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) has called for policy changes to address systemic issues contributing to examination malpractice and pressure on schools to achieve high mean scores.
KESSHA officials, led by National Chairman Willy Kuria, proposed the abolition of school ranking systems, arguing that they create unnecessary pressure on schools to manipulate results. Ranking, they contended, shifts focus from holistic student development to competition-driven practices that undermine educational values.
“We want unbiased examination processes that minimize external influence and promote integrity,” said Mr. Kuria. “Eliminating school rankings will alleviate the pressure to manipulate results and allow schools to focus on nurturing well-rounded learners.”
Another contentious issue raised by KESSHA is the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) promotion policy. Currently, promotions are tied to the performance of schools, which critics argue incentivizes unethical practices. School administrators claimed that principals and teachers often face undue pressure to achieve high mean scores, leading to examination malpractices.
“Promotion criteria should focus on holistic student development rather than mean scores,” Mr. Kuria emphasized. “We need to end political interference and shield exams from external agendas.”
Additionally, KESSHA urged the TSC to discontinue issuing reprimands to principals for poor performance, arguing that such practices demoralize educators and create a culture of fear.
The issues surrounding examination integrity highlight deeper structural challenges within Kenya’s education system. Stakeholders have called for comprehensive reforms to address these challenges, including:
Strengthening Examination Monitoring: Deploy more robust systems to monitor and detect malpractices during national exams. This includes leveraging technology to enhance surveillance and accountability. Enhancing Teacher Training: Equip educators with modern teaching methods and ethical guidelines to reduce dependency on exam-centric performance metrics.
Promoting Holistic Education: Shift focus from academic performance to the overall development of learners, including critical thinking, creativity, and socio-emotional skills. Community Engagement: Involve parents, communities, and local leaders in supporting ethical practices within schools.
Policy Review: Revisit policies that tie promotions, funding, or recognition to examination performance, ensuring a more equitable education system.
In recent years, KNEC has introduced technological interventions to enhance examination integrity. These include:
Digitized Marking: Automated systems that reduce human error and bias during the marking process.
Secure Transmission of Results: Encryption technology to prevent unauthorized access to examination data.
Real-Time Monitoring: CCTV surveillance in examination centers to detect and deter malpractices.
Dr. Kipsang noted that these advancements have contributed to a fairer and more transparent examination process.
As KNEC prepares to release the 2024 KCSE results, the Ministry of Education faces the dual challenge of reassuring stakeholders and addressing systemic issues. While reforms have strengthened the credibility of national exams, more work remains to be done to ensure fairness, equity, and holistic development in Kenya’s education system.
The government’s commitment to dialogue with stakeholders, including educators, parents, and policymakers, will be critical in navigating these challenges. Dr. Kipsang’s assurances of integrity and transparency offer a hopeful outlook, but long-term success will depend on sustained efforts to address the root causes of malpractices and build a culture of ethical excellence in education.
In the words of Dr. Kipsang, “Each child deserves results that reflect their hard work and dedication. Our priority is to ensure a fair, transparent, and credible examination process that upholds the values of our education system.”
As the nation awaits the release of the KCSE results, this commitment to integrity and reform will be key to fostering trust and confidence in Kenya’s education sector.