The Ministry of Education has announced plans to change the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) grading system.
Principal Secretary for Education Belio Kipsang’ made the announcement on Monday, September 18, during a briefing on educational reforms to the Departmental Committee on Education of the National Assembly.
Kipsang’ explained that the new grading system would reflect the dominant aptitudes and interests of learners.
Moreover, he noted that under the new system, the grading of learners in KCSE will include five best subjects instead of grading the learners on all the subjects across the clusters.
Kipsang’ added that the 8-4-4 grading system has disadvantaged many students in the past, who have different skills, abilities and interests.
Moreover, the PS said that the grading in any national education system ought to be for certification instead of placement of students in higher education.
At the same time, the committee noted that the new KCSE grading system will be able to accord with international standards.
Way Forward on KCSE Grading
Kipsang’ directed that the remaining 8-4-4 cohort will be graded in KCSE according to their performance in five subjects. This will be in addition to their grades in Mathematics and English or Kiswahili.
The PS stated that students interested in pursuing Medicine or Engineering should be allowed to do so instead of being prevented from qualifying for the courses because of one subject used to grade them that reduced their mean.
“A student with the ability and interest in medicine or engineering need not be prevented from qualifying for the courses just because a subject that was used to grade him pulled down his overall Mean Grade,” stated Kipsang’.
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Other Decisions Made During the Briefing
Belio Kipsang’ also notified the committee that the government intended to make the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) part of the County education Board (CEB) system.
He stated that membership of County Commissioners in CEB will ensure that regulations and instructions are enforced, and diverse cultures and other diversities are included.
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Moreover, he noted that the recommendations were meant to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of education services.
“The current policy thrust of education is not only keen on ensuring that all children attend school. It is also as much keen, if not keener, that all children get optimal learning experience, regardless of the social background, physical or mental condition,” he added.
