Why KNEC’s Move to Collect Exam Twice Might Cause More Problems
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) holds the critical responsibility of overseeing national exams in Kenya’s basic education sector. Its establishment dates back to the Kenya National Examinations Council Act Cap 225A in 1980, which was later replaced by KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012, marking a significant shift in ensuring the authenticity of exams and aligning them with Kenya’s educational goals.
Over the years, KNEC has undergone reforms to enhance the credibility of exam results, notably during the leadership of Prof George Magoha as council chairman and Fred Matiang’i as the Education Cabinet Secretary.
While the recent proposal to collect exam papers twice daily from secure containers shows promise in reducing exam irregularities, it’s important to acknowledge that the root causes of irregularities go beyond paper collection and delivery schedules.
KNEC faces several challenges, including ethical concerns among personnel, limited collaboration with supporting agencies, technological obstacles, inadequate transportation infrastructure, corruption, and resource constraints. Addressing these challenges may require solutions such as mobilizing additional vehicles, including helicopters for areas affected by adverse weather conditions.
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Despite the potential benefits of dual paper collection in curbing malpractices, geographical constraints in remote areas, like pastoral regions, present significant hurdles. These areas often contend with vast distances between learning institutions, security issues, and inadequate road networks, which can disrupt exam processes, especially during heavy rains.
Collaboration with various government departments and non-governmental organizations has been crucial for KNEC to ensure efficient exam administration. The credibility of Kenya’s education system reflects on the nation, making such collaboration essential.
While measures to reduce exam malpractices are supported, the proposal for twice daily paper collection may bring about more challenges than solutions. KNEC needs additional financial support, motivated personnel, and efficient resource allocation to overcome its current limitations.
In conclusion, the proposal to collect exam papers twice daily aims to enhance the integrity of Kenya’s education system. However, practical challenges posed by geography, weather, and security in certain regions must be considered. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts and adequate resources to ensure the smooth execution of national exams.
Why KNEC’s Move to Collect Exam Twice Might Cause More Problems
