How KCPE exams are being done differently this year
This year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination is being administered in a striking difference from past practice.
Among notable changes is the appointment of head teachers and principals as managers of their centres.
They have also been tasked with collecting exam materials and returning candidates’ answer scripts to the sub-county stores.
Previously, the work was done by supervisors.
MALPRACTICES
The changes were introduced after it emerged that some school heads had a hand in examination malpractices.
As centre managers, they will now be held liable for any cheating.
Despite opposition from teachers’ union leaders, Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i had his way on the issue.
The materials are now being stored in 346 heavily guarded containers across the country, unlike in the past when they would be stored in police armouries.
POLICE PRESENCE
It is deputy county commissioners and sub- county directors of education who have keys to the containers and which they only open in the morning and evening in the presence of police and examination officers.
The KCPE exam is also being conducted before the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations. It used to be the other way round.
This year’s examination was reset to avert leakages. Previously, tests were set two years in advance.
The use of clipboards and geometrical sets has also been banned in the exam rooms.
