Audit exam process to ensure credibility
By Editorial.Team, April 5, 2023About six years ago, the government reformed administration of national exams by adopting a multi-agency approach. Instead of the Ministry of Education solely overseeing the exercise, Interior and ICT counterparts were roped in as critical partners to improve the credibility of the results.
The reforms did not come easy and the government was heavily criticised over what was described as militarisation of exam administration. However, the government maintained that it would not permit a return to unethical practices that allowed “children of the rich to access stolen exams” at the expense of those from poor backgrounds.
It was argued that beneficiaries of exam leaks joined the best secondary schools and universities only for them to flop in competitive courses.
To an extent, the multi-agency approach has led to fewer cases of cheating reported while results have largely been credible.
And in many cases, persons found to have engaged in exam malpractices have had their day in court. It is against this backdrop the government should not drop the ball in safeguarding the integrity of exams. If anything, it should ramp up the reforms already put in place.
However, after the 2022 KCSE exam results were released in January, there were claims of massive leaks, probably the worst in six years. There was uproar over the manner in which the exams were administered, with the National Assembly Committee on Education launching probe into the allegations. It has been collecting views from across the country to establish the extent of cheating, if any, as well as identify the gaps that need to be sealed.
This is a process that ought to be supported. Although the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has maintained none of its exams leaked, it is important to have an independent audit to ascertain claims by both sides and come up with recommendations to improve the process.
As this happens, it is important the committee and other sectors involved get to the bottom of the matter so that no one is unfairly victimised. Those found culpable must be made to take responsibility for their actions.
The aim of such an audit should be to ensure learners get quality education to equip them for the challenges of the future.