The 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams officially commence today, Tuesday, October 22, marking the beginning of a critical period for students across the country.
This year’s exams will be held in 10,755 examination centers, hosting an unprecedented 965,501 candidates, a notable increase from the 903,138 who sat for the exams in 2023.
The rising number of candidates reflects Kenya’s expanding education system and increased access to secondary education.
The exams will begin with practical and oral assessments for elective subjects, including French, German, Kenyan Sign Language, and music, ahead of the written papers, which will start on November 4.
These practical exams are crucial for students as they contribute significantly to their overall scores in these subjects.
Last Friday, candidates across the country participated in rehearsals to ensure that both students and invigilators were prepared for the exam procedures.
The exams will be overseen by 70,790 invigilators and supervisors to ensure the integrity of the process.
Education stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), have taken additional steps this year to ensure a smooth and credible exam process.
Measures have been put in place to combat cheating, including enhanced surveillance in exam centers, strict adherence to the new examination rules, and coordination with law enforcement agencies to prevent any malpractice.
KNEC officials have assured the public that exam materials have been delivered securely to all centers across the country.
The exams are being transported under tight security to avoid any cases of leakage, which has been a concern in previous years.
In a statement, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu urged candidates to remain calm and confident as they begin their exams, reminding them that this is a culmination of their hard work throughout the secondary school cycle.
He also called on parents and teachers to offer moral support to the students during this period.
The exams, which will run until late November, are a critical gateway for students looking to pursue higher education and technical courses, making them a high-stakes event in Kenya’s academic calendar.
As the first cohort to sit for the KCSE under the new administration, there is a focus on improving the quality and fairness of the examination process.
Schools and exam centers have been equipped with necessary COVID-19 precautions, ensuring that students sit for their exams in a safe environment.
The Ministry of Health is also working closely with school authorities to monitor any health-related issues during the exam period.
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