NAIROBI: Performance in most subjects improved slightly according to the results released Tuesday by Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Jacob Kaimenyi.
Prof Kaimenyi said there was improved performance in 15 out of the 31 subjects offered in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), compared to 14 out of 31 subjects in 2013.
“The subjects where improved performance was noted include English, Kiswahili, Mathematics alternative B, Geography, Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), Agriculture, Metalwork, Power Mechanics, Electricity, Drawing and Design and Computer Studies.”
The improvement, Kaimenyi said, was commendable especially in subjects where poor performance was noted in 2013. These include English, Mathematics Alternative B, Chemistry, Geography, Agriculture and Computer Studies.
“As a result of the decline in performance in these critical subjects in the 2013 KCSE examination, I instructed the Education Standards and Quality Assurance Council to investigate the causes for the decline and take corrective action,” Kaimenyi said.
Despite the excitement over the improvement, the CS noted there was a decline in 10 subjects including Mathematics alternative A, Physics, Home Science, Art and Design, Woodwork, Aviation Technology, Arabic, Kenya Sign Language, Music and Business Studies.
“The continued poor performance in Mathematics alternative A is worrying to us as a ministry as it has registered a decline in the last two years. This is a great concern considering that mathematics is a key requirement in most scientific-related courses,” he said.
He added: “The Government has invested heavily in the subject with various initiatives being undertaken by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology in Africa as well as increased capitation for teaching material in the subject.”
Kaimenyi said he had instructed Education Standards and Quality Assurance Council to investigate the factors that have contributed to the continued decline in mathematics performance.
The 2014 KCSE results revealed that female candidates out-shinned their male counterparts in five of the 31 subjects. The subjects are English, Kiswahili, CRE, Home Science and Art and Design.
“Despite the male candidates having beaten their female counterparts in 26 out of the 31 subjects, girls can perform better with guidance, encouragement, dedication and hard work,” said Kaimenyi.
The release of the results coincided with release of eight other examinations administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council.
