KCPE Exams Concludes: Challenges Faced During Examinations
The 2023 KCPE examinations mark the end of an era as Kenya phases out the 8-4-4 education system that has been in place for almost four decades. This transition to the competency-based curriculum (CBC) brings both historical significance and educational challenges.
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with a multi-agency team, worked to implement proper measures and ensure that the exams were conducted without major disruptions. This collaborative approach contributed to the successful start of the examinations.
Heavy Rains
While the exams started well in many parts of the country, some regions, like Mandera and Marsabit, had experienced fairly heavy rainfall, which posed challenges. In Mt. Elgon Constituency and parts of Marsabit County, several primary schools in the region experienced delays in starting the exams because the vehicles carrying examination materials were unable to reach the centers due to the heavy rains.
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The adverse weather delayed the start of the exams in many examination centers, causing the exercise to begin at 9 a.m. rather than the official 8:30 a.m. start time. This delay affected both candidates and officials.
Ongoing rains damaged road networks and washed away a bridge in areas such as Kituruni, Badassa, and Leyai in Saku Constituency
Exam Material Shortages
Laboot Primary School in Mt Elgon faced a shortage of examination materials, but the issue was resolved promptly to ensure the exams could continue.
Mt. Elgon branch KNUT executive secretary Stephen Chemonges has pointed out that one of the greatest challenges was the lack of vehicles and fuel to get the KCPE exam materials to the nearest accessible centers.
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Transportation Challenges
Poor road conditions impeded the delivery of examination papers to various centers. Affected regions include Nandi East, Mt. Elgon, Marsabit, and Mandera.
Chemonges said, “The government has displayed unpreparedness, especially in terms of the transportation of examination materials in this region, and we challenge the relevant officials to act swiftly in bridging this gap as the examination continues.”
Measures were taken to ensure the safe delivery of exams, including deploying helicopters to reach affected areas. An attempt to use a helicopter to ferry examination materials into some affected areas failed due to the adverse weather conditions, further complicating the transportation logistics.
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Nominal Rollout and Pupil Concerns
Chemonges has conclusively asked that the Ministry of Education look into the matter of pupils whose names have not been captured in the nominal rollout of the examinational council as soon as possible.
According to Dornald Etyang, the sub-county director of education, Mt. Elgon, Koshok, Kipkama, and Kibieto primary schools were compelled to start late because the vehicle transporting the examination materials was unable to reach the centers because of the heavy rains.
Etyang additionally noted that there was a shortage of examination materials at Laboot Primary School, but this was resolved promptly so that the exam could continue.
Absenteeism of Students
In Nandi, for instance Five students failed to appear for the KCPE exams. It was discovered that their parents had relocated from Nandi to other parts of the country. Investigating the reasons for their absence was a challenge, as it required further examination.
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Health-Related Issues
Candidates who fell ill had to write their papers at the hospitals. Ensuring their ability to take the exams while in the hospital ward posed challenges.
Security Challenges
Adequate security was required to ensure the smooth conduct of the exams. Each examination center was allocated two security officers to address security challenges and maintain a secure environment.
Conclusion.
This year’s exams signify the final administration of the KCPE examination as the country transitions to the full implementation of the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education system. While this is viewed as a positive step, it presents a significant challenge as students adapt to the evolving skill-based curriculum.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Kipsang reported that 2.7 million children had already taken exam papers on day one and two.
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KCPE Exams Concludes: Challenges Faced During Examinations