The Ministry of Education has announced that candidates participating in the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which began on Monday, October 28, 2024, will not receive certificates upon completion.
Belio R. Kipsang, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Basic Education, clarified during a media briefing at an examination center in Nairobi that the KPSEA is an assessment rather than a certification exam.
“This is an assessment, and candidates do not receive certificates at the end. Instead, they will receive a report detailing their progress, while schools will receive a collective report on their performance,” Kipsang explained.
He further noted, “We will also compile a national report for further discussions and evaluations.”
Kipsang emphasized that the ministry has created a supportive environment for all candidates, stating that no security personnel would be allowed in examination rooms, ensuring that teachers solely interact with students throughout the assessment process.
In Tana River County, however, community conflicts have led to disruptions in learning, resulting in the closure of several schools.
As KPSEA exams proceed, 1,352 sixth-grade pupils in the Bangale area are participating, although 94 students have been impacted by ongoing tribal conflicts.
Three schools Vango, Anole, and Maramtu were shut down, preventing students from attending classes for two weeks.
To enhance safety during the exams, Assistant Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir has assured that security measures have been strengthened, with pupils taking their assessments from police camps.
Last month, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) outlined protocols for conducting the KPSEA and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
The TSC updated the selection process for center managers, supervisors, and invigilators to minimize the risk of exam cheating and maintain the integrity of the assessments.
County sub-directors were invited to participate in nominating teachers for roles in managing the exams.
The KPSEA exams are scheduled to last three days, while the KCSE exams are expected to conclude by the end of November.
