The storm surrounding the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education – KCPE results is far from over after Members of Parliament (MPs) summoned Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to explain the reported irregularities in the 2023 test.
In adjournment motion by Manyatta MP John Mukunji there were numerous inconsistencies and discrepancies in the results released on Thursday, November 23.
Machogu will appear before the National Assembly on Thursday, December 7, alongside Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) Chairman Prof Julius Nyabundi and other KNEC officials.
“The irregularities range from awarding candidates’ wrong marks, assigning candidates marks they didn’t sit for, schools being assigned different grades and in other instances candidates receiving higher grades for lower scores and vice versa,” said Mukunji.
Further, Mukunji explained that these discrepancies will not only delay secondary school placement but also compromise the integrity of the KNEC in delivering credible results in future.
Same Marks in KCPE Subjects
During the debate on Wednesday, November 29, MPs questioned the rushed manner in which the KCPE exams were marked, and exams released.
The MPs also raised concerns over reports that some schools reported the same marks for candidates in particular subjects.
“It is unlikely that students can score the same marks, that is just mathematics. The odds are extremely which demonstrates that there were irregularities that happened in that particular exams,” Molo MP Kimani Kuria.
Also Read: EXPLAINED: How to Apply for KCPE & KCSE Remarking
Remark Papers & Disband KNEC
Additionally, some of the MPs called for an overhaul of KNEC while others demanded for a remark of the papers.
“If there is no way KNEC can be sorted out, the best is to away with it and get a totally different outfit that can manage examinations in this country,” said Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda
Buuri MP Rindiki Mugambi stated that the exam was marked, and results released in a rush.
Mugambi said KNEC must be held accountable for what is happening in the exam management system.
“There is no procedure or guideline that says the results must be reported within this time of the year. I am wondering why KNEC and Education Ministry rushed, marked the exam in a short time without checking the system,” he said.
Also Read: Win For Machogu as Court Allows Form 1 Selection with KCPE Errors
Marakwet West MP Toroitich Timothy Kipchumba said the KCPE exams was marred with massive cheating and irregularities.
He emphasized that CS Machogu and KNEC must provide answers to the questions raised over the KCPE exam results.
West Mugirango MP Mogaka Stephen condemned KNEC accusing it of targeting certain schools in some parts of the country.
“What was the hurry of releasing these results, I urge this house if there is anything we can do for these Kenyans is to disband KNEC and order for remarking of those examinations and give our children the correct marks,” he said.
Safaricom Delay
The MPs also want explanations on what caused the delay by Safaricom to post the SMS KCPE exams.
Besides, they demanded that Safaricom should refund the Ksh.25 to parents who sent multiple SMS when the system was down.
“Safaricom must tell us who it procured to offer the service. Was it a third party and what happens to those who were overcharged by sending multiple SMS. They must be refunded,” said Kirinyanga Woman Representative Njeri Maina.
Chairperson of the Education Committee Julius Melly mentioned that the issues raised should be taken seriously.
The summon comes after the High Court declined to stop Form One selection process pending the determination of cases challenging the integrity of the 2023 KCPE exams.
