KCSE Results to be Cancelled?

Prof Fred Ogola, leader of the Linda Jamii group, is pushing for the recall of the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, alleging irregularities in the moderation process.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Ogola claimed that the moderation of the 2023 results was manipulated to reduce government spending on university capitation.

The Linda Jamii group contends that the government aimed to achieve a specific target of students advancing to tertiary education, intending to cut down university funding by Ksh67 billion. As a consequence, only 201,133 students attained the entry mean grade of C+.

Furthermore, the group expressed concern over a significant increase in students scoring Grade E. In the 2023 examinations, 48,174 students scored E, marking a 56% surge from the previous year’s 30,822.

Ogola questioned the delay in releasing the results, suggesting that the outstanding performance led to the results being moderated at State House.

He argued that deliberately causing students to fail could result in substantial financial savings, claiming Ksh67.8 billion out of the Ksh128 billion allocated for higher education funding.

While the government has not responded to the group’s claims, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu emphasized that the 2023 results were based on a new grading system, focusing on the student’s best subjects.

He highlighted the reform’s benefits, stating that it would open up more career opportunities for candidates.

Machogu acknowledged concerns about the number of candidates with Grade E and called on education stakeholders to investigate.

Meanwhile, students from Oruba Boys in Migori County raised concerns about grading abnormalities, urging the examination council to remark their papers after many received D grades.

In addition, there are reports of errors in the released results, with students downloading their slips multiple times and receiving different grades. The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has yet to address these concerns or provide a way forward.

As of now, the government has not issued a response to the Linda Jamii group’s allegations, leaving the fate of the 2023 KCSE results uncertain.

Education stakeholders, including the KNEC, are under pressure to address the reported irregularities and errors in the grading process, ensuring transparency and fairness in the evaluation of students’ academic achievements.

The controversy surrounding the 2023 KCSE results raises broader questions about the education system’s integrity and the impact of grading decisions on students’ futures.

As the situation unfolds, students, parents, and educators await a resolution that will uphold the credibility of the examination process and maintain trust in the education system.