MPs Question On 200,000 Unregistered Candidates Who Sat For 2023 KCPE
In the year 2023, a total of 1,415,315 candidates were registered to take the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams. These exams took place from October 30 to November 1. The Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, arrived at the Westlands subcounty containers in Nairobi on November 6, 2023.
A concern arose when it was revealed that over 200,000 unregistered learners sat the 2023 KCPE exam. Members of the National Assembly Committee in Education questioned this high number of unregistered candidates. The committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, sought explanations from Belio Kipsang, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, and Kenya National Examination Council CEO David Njeng’ere regarding why 200,000 learners appeared at the last minute to take the exam.
Belio Kipsang explained that the surge in numbers was due to the Ministry’s decision to allow unregistered learners to sit the last KCPE as the 8-4-4 system was being phased out. This being the final examination under the 8-4-4 curriculum, anyone who had the opportunity and desire to take it did so.
The MPs raised questions about the transition of students to secondary schools and whether these 200,000 learners had dropped out and returned for the exam. They were skeptical about such a large number of students merely “showing up” for the last exam.
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The Kenya National Examination Council CEO, David Njeng’ere, explained that the increase was due to not only those who had not been in school but also individuals who wanted to take the exam regardless of their preparation.
The significant increase in candidature for KCPE in 2023, a 13.74% rise from the previous year, was attributed to the fact that this was the last year the KCPE exam was being administered under the 8-4-4 system. The aim of the ministry was to ensure a 100% transition of students into secondary schools. This same cohort that took the last KCPE will also take the last KCSE in the coming four years when the 8-4-4 system is phased out in secondary schools.
MPs Question On 200,000 Unregistered Candidates Who Sat For 2023 KCPE
