Govt Changes Mandatory Subjects, University Entry Requirements
The Ministry of Education in Kenya has introduced a new grading structure for the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Examination. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu made this announcement during the launch of the 2023 National Examinations season.
Under the revised grading system, only two mandatory subjects are necessary to compute the mean grade, as opposed to the previous requirement of five mandatory subjects spread across three cluster groups.
The two mandatory subjects are Mathematics and one language, which can be either English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language. Additionally, students have the flexibility to select any other five subjects in which they perform the best.
This reform initiative is anticipated to result in an increase in the number of students who qualify for admission to universities, diploma programs, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs at certificate and artisan levels.
The Ministry of Education is also reevaluating 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). Admission to these programs will now be based on revised subject cluster requirements and grades.
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These changes align with the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, which aims to incorporate technology in education by enhancing ICT infrastructure for the curriculum and enhancing digital literacy among teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is also integrating digital literacy by conducting assessments for teacher trainees electronically, with the goal of equipping teachers with digital skills that they can pass on to students.
Furthermore, the government is taking measures to closely monitor weather forecasts to ensure the secure and timely delivery of examination materials to various centers, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the 2023 examination and assessment materials.
Govt Changes Mandatory Subjects, University Entry Requirements
