Record-Breaking 3.5 Million Candidates To Sit For National Exams
Over 3.5 million candidates are set to participate in this year’s national examinations, including the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
This marks a historic high in the number of registered candidates.
Basic Education Principal Secretary, Dr. Belio Kipsang, revealed that the KCSE will have fewer than one million candidates, while the KCPE will see approximately 1.4 million candidates.
Additionally, 1.2 million candidates are expected to sit for the KPSEA. Dr. Kipsang noted that an analysis of KCPE data revealed a significant number of registrations, including some adults who have registered as private candidates.
ALSO READ: KNEC 2023 KCSE Qualifying Test Examination Timetable and Instructions (PDF Download)
Grading System Revision
The Ministry of Education is currently revising the grading system to emphasize students’ competencies, skills, and knowledge.
This change aligns with recommendations from the Presidential Working Group on Education Reforms (PWPER).
The upcoming candidates will be the first to benefit from this new grading system, which aims to separate placement from testing to assess what students have learned.
The new grading system will allow students to pursue their desired courses, and it will impact at least five cohorts under the previous 8-4-4 system.
ALSO READ:
- KNEC Introduces New Exam Papers Pickup Strategies to Curb Early Exposure to KCPE, KCSE Examinations
- 2023 KCPE Examination Timetable, Instructions, and Guidelines
- KNEC CP2 System: How to Access Link, Register, Capture and Submit Details
- KNEC CEO David Njengere Appointed President of Africa Exam Body, AEAA
Dr. Kipsang emphasized that this year’s KCPE administration marks the final phase of transitioning to competency-based education at the primary level.
While five cohorts are still undergoing KCSE, the focus is on assessing learners based on their knowledge, skills, competencies, values, and attitudes acquired during their schooling.
Dr. Kipsang highlighted the global significance of literacy and numeracy in education. Literacy and numeracy equip individuals with essential skills applicable to various aspects of life.
Under the new assessment system, the Ministry of Education will prioritize numeracy (mathematics) and literacy (Kiswahili or English) for certification. The curriculum will evaluate students in seven subject areas.
ALSO READ: MPs Introduce KNEC Supplementary Exams for Sick Students
Mastery of Diverse Subjects
The PS stressed the importance of students mastering various subjects, including two sciences, one humanities, numeracy, literacy, and other relevant areas of learning.
He expressed concern that a historical disadvantage has led to a lower transition rate to university education compared to neighboring countries.
Regarding the El NiƱo rains, the PS assured that the government has taken measures to prevent disruptions during the upcoming exams.
Areas prone to flooding have been identified and mapped, and the government is mobilizing resources, including military helicopters, to ensure the smooth conduct of the exams.
ALSO READ:
- KCSE 2023 Timetable And Guidelines
- KNEC Introduces New KCSE Exam Grading System to Increase University Admissions
- Schools Closing Date Announced Ahead of National Exams
- Belio Kipsang Explains New KCSE Grading System
Record-Breaking 3.5 Million Candidates To Sit For National Exams