On January 9, 2025, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) announced the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results. However, the release was marred by the cancellation of results for 840 candidates due to examination malpractice. This decision has raised concerns among students and parents alike.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed the results at a press conference held at Mitihani House in Nairobi. He confirmed that a total of 962,512 candidates sat for the KCSE exams. This marked an increase from the previous year when 899,453 candidates participated.
While many students celebrated their achievements, the news of cancelled results cast a shadow over the announcement.
CS Ogamba explained that KNEC had acted by its legal authority. The council’s actions were based on Legal Notice Number 132 of 2015, Rule Number 8. This rule allows KNEC to withhold results from any candidate suspected of involvement in examination irregularities.
The cancellation of results affects students from various schools across the country. According to Ogamba, these candidates were found to have engaged in activities that compromised the integrity of the examinations. He stated that KNEC would not tolerate such behaviour and would take necessary disciplinary actions against those involved.
In addition to the cancelled results, KNEC has withheld results for another 2,829 candidates pending further investigation into suspected malpractice. This indicates a broader issue within the examination system that requires immediate attention.
The cancellation of results has significant implications for the affected students. For many, these results determine their future educational and career opportunities. Without their KCSE scores, they may struggle to gain admission to universities or vocational training institutions.
Students who miss out on their results face an uncertain future. They may be left wondering about their next steps and how to proceed with their education. The emotional toll on these students cannot be understated, as they had invested considerable time and effort preparing for these exams.
Ogamba reiterated KNEC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of national examinations. He assured stakeholders that strict measures would continue to be enforced to safeguard the credibility of the KCSE. The council is determined to uphold high standards in education across Kenya.
The Education Cabinet Secretary also mentioned that disciplinary action would be taken against 91 professionals implicated in assisting candidates with examination malpractices. This includes teachers and other personnel who were contracted during the examination period.
The news has sparked various reactions from education stakeholders. Many parents expressed their disappointment and concern over the cancellations. They fear their children’s futures are being jeopardised due to actions beyond their control. Education experts have also weighed in on the matter.
They argue that KNEC must enhance its monitoring systems to prevent malpractice effectively. Improved oversight could help identify potential issues before they escalate into larger problems.
As KNEC continues its investigations into the withheld results, stakeholders are hopeful for a swift resolution. The council has promised that investigations will be completed within 30 days. Once concluded, affected candidates will know their fate regarding their examination results.
In light of this situation, there is a growing demand for reforms within KNEC. Stakeholders are calling for improved systems and processes that ensure fairness and transparency in examinations.
The cancellation of results for over 840 candidates due to malpractice highlights ongoing challenges within Kenya’s education system. As KNEC works to uphold examination integrity, affected students face an uncertain future without their KCSE scores.
Moving forward, KNEC needs to implement measures that prevent such incidents from occurring again.
Ensuring a fair and transparent examination process is crucial for supporting students in achieving their educational goals.
