KNEC: Tackling cheating in exams requires more than technological and legal advancement

Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) CEO Joseph Kivilu (left) and Councils Chairman Kabiru Kinyanjui addressing the press in the past. PHOTO: FILE

NAIROBI: The Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) has argued that curbing examination irregularities calls for a concerted effort, even as the cases went up in the just released results.

The Council said that all Kenyans must revise their morals, attitudes and mindset and appreciate the value of examination.

Knec Council Chairperson Kabiru Kinyanjui said cheating in examinations is more than technological advancement.

“The fault is deeply embedded value systems. To change it will require a fundamental and radical transformation of mindset, values and attitudes,” said Kinyanjui.

He said a critical and honest re-appraisal of values, character and moral fiber is necessary even as the Council puts internal measures to curb the menace.

“I believe this is the root of this persistent evil in our midst. It cannot just be wished away by mere tightening of legal mechanisms, formulation of more rules, or additional security personnel,” said Kinyanjui.

He said the Council is well aware of the prevailing concerns regarding to the credibility of 2015 national examinations.

“The Board of KNEC is more than concerned. It is our worst nightmare. We know a lot is at stake. Nevertheless we want to assure Kenyans that we are working tirelessly to remove this menace in our national examinations,” he said.

The examination-cheating trend shows that 2015 had the highest cases of 2,709 compared to 1, 702 reported last year.

Some 1, 576 cases were reported in 2013 as only 732 candidates cheated in examinations in 2012.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i put the council on notice over examination irregularities and warned of an imminent shale-up.

He said the Council shall be held responsible on all the promises they have made to restore credibility of national examinations.

“We will hold you accountable for all the promises you have made,” said Matiangi in response to the argument by Knec.

The CS said he is under firm instructions from the president Uhuru Kenyatta to ensure examination irregularities are dealt a major blow.

“ The president has instructed us to bring closure to this and we shall do whatever it takes, I repeat, we shall do whatever it takes to bring this matter to an end,” said Matiang’i.

His statement has been interpreted to mean a radical shake-up in the Council operations in the next few months to come.

Matiang’i said Knec has 12 months to plan for the examinations and faulted the rising cases of irregularities.

Knec Chief Executive Officer Joseph Kivilu said the Council is committed to ensuring that the examinations it offers are fair, valid and reliable.

“KNEC also benchmarks with other examination boards on best assessment practices in a bid to ensure that internationally recognized and acceptable examination and certification standards are maintained,” said Kivilu.

Kinyanjui however said to tackle the examination cheating menace; a change is required of pupils, teachers, parents, examiners, security officers and administrators.

“We at the Council are not only re-examining our values and attitudes, but also our processes, technology and administrative arrangements. We anticipate reforms as we plan 2016 examinations, and as we implement our new Strategic Plan,” said Kinyanjui.

He said all the Council energies and thinking are now focused on a critical review of all Council processes with a view of administering highly credible examinations in 2016.

“This is our commitment. I am convinced that our initiatives will help weed out the unethical practices that have dented the credibility of national examinations in this country,” he said.

Matiang’i however reacted firmly to the request by Kinyajui that he visits the six Council offices ‘to engage us in a dialogue on the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.’

Matiang’i responded: “I have already visited your (Knec) offices and we already have some exercises going on. As the chair you do not even know that I have come to your offices… I will come again for as long as I can,” said Matiang’i