Activists Sue to Stop KNEC From Conducting National Exams Over KCSE Irregularities
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Elimu Bora Working Group (EBWG) have initiated legal action to prevent the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) from conducting national examinations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 14, the activists called for a suspension of candidate examinations at both levels until the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results undergo an audit.
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They also demanded that KNEC and Education Cabinet Secretary CS Ezekiel Machogu conduct an audit and make the report accessible to the public. The petitioners claimed that KNEC’s handling of the 2023 KCPE examinations raised doubts and created uncertainty among the public about their competence.
Alleging irregularities in the 2023 national examination results, the advocacy groups accused the exam body of failing the public.
KHRC further elaborated that the lawsuit was spurred by KNEC’s lack of response to the group’s request for information regarding the exam marking regulations and process.
The petitioners expressed concerns about KNEC’s grading process, citing reports indicating that markers are provided with predetermined targets, potentially compromising result quality.
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According to court documents, the petitioners urged for an audit covering the exam marking process, mark allocation, moderation, results compilation, and review.
They also demanded that KNEC and CS Machogu submit the audit within 90 days, pending the court’s decision. Additionally, should KNEC and the Education CS fail the audit, the petitioners seek an order prohibiting them from setting and conducting any KCSE examinations, including issuing results and certificates.
Regarding the 2023 KCSE results, some students questioned abnormalities such as varying grades. Oruba Boys School in Migori County sought a remarking of exams after many students received D grades.
Other schools faced unrest, with principals being ousted over poor results, prompting intervention from the Ministry of Education to safeguard the teachers.
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Activists Sue to Stop KNEC From Conducting National Exams Over KCSE Irregularities
