2023 KCPE Exam: MPs Probe 200,000 Unregistered Candidates
2023 KCPE Exam: MPs Probe 200,000 Unregistered Candidates. In a recent session of the National Assembly Committee on Education, the committee conducted an investigation into the significant influx of unregistered candidates for the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination. Basic Education Cabinet Secretary Belio Kipsang unveiled that more than 200,000 unregistered learners participated in the 2023 KCPE.
Heading the Parliamentary Committee, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, along with fellow MPs, raised questions to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and Kenya National Examination Council CEO David Njeng’ere. Their primary objective was to gain insight into the sudden and substantial appearance of learners for the KCPE at the eleventh hour.
Uncovering the Surprising Surge in Unregistered Candidates
MPs questioned the Ministry’s assertion of surprise and speculated that some students intentionally bypassed Grade 7, with their parents subsequently registering them for the KCPE. In response, Belio Kipsang clarified that this surge resulted from the Ministry’s call to allow unregistered learners to partake in the final KCPE as part of the 8-4-4 system’s phase-out.
Emphasizing that this was the last of its kind, Belio explained that numerous learners seized the opportunity. A Ministry analysis showed no analogous surge among Grade 6 learners during their KPSEA exams.
The committee acknowledged ongoing efforts to attain a 100% transition to secondary schools following KCPE. The abrupt appearance of 200,000 candidates raised inquiries about whether they had dropped out or were excluded from the transition process.
David Njeng’ere, CEO of the Kenya National Examination Council, expounded that the increase included individuals who had not attended school but were eager to undertake the exam, irrespective of their readiness.
Official records revealed that 1,415,315 candidates registered for the 2023 KCPE exams, conducted from October 30 to November 1. This reflected a notable 13.74% increase in comparison to the preceding year, driven by the knowledge that 2023 marked the culmination of the 8-4-4 curriculum, prompting dropouts to seize this final opportunity.
The 2023 KCPE exams marked the end of the 8-4-4 era in primary schools, signifying a renewed focus on ensuring a seamless 100% transition into secondary education. The same group of students who completed the last KCPE will also participate in the upcoming KCSE exams over the next four years as the 8-4-4 system phases out in secondary schools.