Govt Changes Mandatory Subjects, University Entry Requirements
The Ministry of Education has introduced a new grading structure for the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Examination.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu announced the changes during the launch of the 2023 National Examinations season.
In the new grading system, only two mandatory subjects are required to compute the mean grade, as opposed to the previous five mandatory subjects across three cluster groups.
The two mandatory subjects are Mathematics and one language, which can be English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language. Additionally, students can select any other five best-performed subjects.
ALSO READ: New KCSE Exam Grading System; All you Should Know
This reform measure is expected to increase the number of students qualifying for universities, diploma programs, and TVET training at certificate and artisan levels.
| Aspect | New Grading Structure (2023) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Subjects | Two subjects: Mathematics and one language |
| Best-Performed Subjects | Any other five best-performed subjects |
| Entry Requirements | Reviewed subject cluster requirements and grades |
| Digital Literacy Integration | Incorporation of digital literacy in assessments |
| Weather Monitoring | Keen monitoring of weather forecasts for exam material delivery |
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education is reviewing the minimum entry requirements for preservice teacher education, specifically for the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) and Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE).
ALSO READ: KNEC: Only Authorized Personnel Allowed in Examination Centers
Teacher trainees will now be admitted based on reviewed subject cluster requirements and grades.
These changes align with the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, which aims to leverage technology in education by developing ICT infrastructure for the curriculum and improving digital literacy among teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is also incorporating digital literacy by conducting assessments for teacher trainees electronically. This initiative aims to equip teachers with digital skills that can be imparted to students.
Additionally, the government is closely monitoring weather forecasts to ensure the smooth delivery of examination materials to various centers, assuring the safety and security of the 2023 examination and assessment materials.
ALSO READ: Stakeholders Call for African Education Models Transformation for Modern Job Market
| Subject Changes | Details |
|---|---|
| Grading Structure | A new grading structure will be implemented in the 2023 KCSE Examination. |
| Mandatory Subjects | Only two mandatory subjects are required for computing the mean grade: mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language). |
| Previous Mandatory Subjects | Previously, there were five mandatory subjects across three cluster groups: mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two sciences, and one humanity. |
| Additional Subjects | In addition to the two mandatory subjects, KNEC will consider any other five best-performed subjects. |
| Expected Impact | The reform measure is expected to increase the number of students qualifying for universities, Diploma, and TVET training at Certificate and Artisan levels. |
| Teacher Education Reforms | Minimum entry requirements for preservice teacher education (DPTE and DECTE) are under review, with changes to subject cluster requirements and grades. |
| ICT Integration | Recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms include leveraging technology in education, developing ICT infrastructure for the curriculum, and improving digital literacy among educators and stakeholders. |
| Digital Literacy | KNEC has incorporated digital literacy into assessments for teacher trainees, helping to equip teachers with digital skills to impart to students. |
| Weather Monitoring | The government is closely monitoring weather forecasts to ensure that necessary measures are in place to deliver examination materials safely to all centers. |
| Material Safety | Assurance is given that the 2023 examination and assessment materials are secure and safe. |
