The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has reiterated its stance on conducting the registration exercise for the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination strictly online. This move is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the registration process, while also reducing the risk of errors and malpractices.
Streamlining the Registration Process
To facilitate the online registration process, schools are required to log onto the KNEC portal using their examination center login credentials. This will enable them to access the necessary registration forms and guidelines, as well as upload the required documents and information. The registration period commenced on February 17 and will run until March 28, 2025, providing schools with ample time to complete the process.
Principals' Responsibility
In a circular released on Tuesday, addressed to sub-county directors of education and school principals, KNEC emphasized that principals are responsible for the registration of their candidates. They must ensure that all registered candidates are eligible to sit for the exams, and that the registration data is accurate and complete. This includes uploading passport-size photographs, which cannot be changed once the registration period closes.
Consequences of Malpractice
The council warned against registering non-existent students, as this would be considered examination malpractice, a prosecutable crime. The registration of ghost candidates constitutes examination malpractice, which attracts sanctions, including the de-registration of the school as a KNEC examination center. This serves as a stern warning to schools and principals who may be tempted to engage in such practices, and underscores KNEC's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
Subject Entry Requirements
All candidates must meet the stipulated subject entry requirements as outlined in the KNEC Rules and Regulations (2015) and the User Guide for the Management of KCSE Examination (2nd Edition 2024). These documents are accessible on the KNEC website, providing schools and candidates with easy access to the necessary information. Candidates are required to register for the correct subjects, and principals must ensure that they meet the necessary prerequisites.
Private Candidates
Private candidates, including those repeating the KCSE exam, will register at the Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs) offices. Any candidate wishing to repeat the exam will be allowed to do so, regardless of the year they previously sat the KCSE examination, provided they have proof of prior registration. This provision caters to candidates who may need to retake the exam, and provides them with an opportunity to improve their performance.
Special Needs Candidates
KNEC has also provided guidelines for candidates with special needs. These candidates are required to mark their categories accurately, using the code 'B' for visually impaired candidates who require Braille and 'LV' for visually impaired candidates who require large print papers. This ensures that the necessary arrangements are made to accommodate these candidates and provide them with a fair and equal opportunity to sit for the exam.
Mid-Year Exams Suspended
The announcement comes amid a High Court decision suspending KNEC's plan to introduce a mid-year KCSE exam for repeaters and private candidates. The suspension followed a petition challenging the move on the grounds of violating students' rights. On January 30, Kisii High Court Lady Justice Teresia Achieng Odera issued conservatory orders, stating that the petition met the legal threshold for a temporary suspension pending further hearings.
Petition Against Mid-Year Exams
The petitioner, Dr. Magare Gikenyi, sued KNEC over the planned July 2025 KCSE examinations, citing a lack of public participation. He argued that the new guidelines created two categories of candidates: one group with a limited preparation period (July) and another with a longer revision period (November). Dr. Gikenyi noted that national examinations, historically conducted in November, create a legitimate expectation among learners that if they failed, they could retake the exams in the same timeframe.
KNEC's Response
KNEC has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process, while also ensuring that candidates are provided with a fair and equal opportunity to sit for the exam. The council has directed that all candidates must meet the stipulated subject entry requirements, and that principals are responsible for the registration of their candidates. This underscores KNEC's focus on ensuring that the examination process is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
The Future of KCSE Exams
The introduction of online registration for KCSE exams marks a significant shift in the way KNEC conducts its examination process. This move is aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing errors, and promoting transparency. As KNEC continues to navigate the challenges of conducting national examinations, it is clear that the council is committed to innovation and improvement. The suspension of the mid-year exams, however, highlights the need for careful planning and consultation with stakeholders.
KCSE Exams and the Education Sector
The KCSE exam is a critical component of Kenya's education sector, and plays a significant role in determining the academic and professional trajectories of students. As such, it is essential that the examination process is conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner. KNEC's efforts to enhance the integrity of the examination process, through the introduction of online registration and other measures, are a step in the right direction. However, the council must also ensure that it consults with stakeholders and takes into account the concerns of students, parents, and educators.
Challenges Facing the Education Sector
The education sector in Kenya faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of qualified teachers, and limited resources. These challenges can have a significant impact on the quality of education, and can undermine the ability of students to perform well in national examinations. As KNEC works to improve the examination process, it is essential that the council also takes into account the broader challenges facing the education sector. This requires a collaborative effort between KNEC, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders to address the underlying issues and ensure that students have access to quality education.
The Role of Technology in Education
The introduction of online registration for KCSE exams highlights the growing role of technology in education. Technology has the potential to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the examination process, while also providing students with greater access to educational resources and opportunities. As KNEC continues to leverage technology to improve the examination process, it is essential that the council also considers the potential risks and challenges associated with technological innovation. This includes ensuring that students have access to the necessary infrastructure and support to participate in online registration, as well as protecting against cyber threats and other forms of exam malpractice.
Conclusion
The decision by KNEC to conduct online registration for KCSE exams is a significant step towards enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the examination process. However, the council must also ensure that it takes into account the concerns of stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators. As KNEC navigates the challenges of conducting national examinations, it is essential that the council prioritizes transparency, accountability, and fairness. By doing so, KNEC can help to promote a culture of academic excellence, while also ensuring that students have access to quality education and the opportunities they deserve.
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