The recently announced KCSE results saw a decrease in the overall performance of the 2017 candidates. With a dip in students who attained A minuses reduce by more than half to 2,714 from 4,645in 2016. With a large number of candidates receiving poor results, a student Moi Nyabohanse Girls Secondary School is reported to have jumped into a well and drowned according to Capital FM News.
The 22-year student was disappointed to receive the same grade after reseating the national examination. The young woman had previously sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education 2 years ago, sought to retake Form 3 and 4 with the intent of attaining gain a grade to secure her a spot in a university. Unfortunately, the results she received dashed the hopes of parents and the young girl. “Her parents accosted her for obtaining similar marks and not getting the university cut off points even after repeating.”It is unclear if her parents will be charged with her death. However, more students seem pressured to suceed with a university education seen as the golden ticket out of poverty.
Only 70,073 students scored the minimum grade of C- and above to guarantee university admission. According to reports, stricter examination regulations and tougher restrictions were key to ensuring exam cheating and preventing exam irregularities. However, KNUT boss Wilson Sossion wants the examinations recalled citing the marking process did not meet international standards.
In a statement released to the press a day after the KCSE results were announced, Sossion said “There seems to be a deliberate effort to force more students to join tertiary institutions. Reduction in the number of students joining universities is an indicator of disaster. Something is wrong.” He also pointed out that the Kenya National Examinations Council lacks credibility as it does not have a substantive Chief Executive Officer with all roles being taken over by the Chairman George Magoha and Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi. If the results are recalled, all the results will be questions, leaving many students anxious and unsure of their future.
