Concern over underage candidates sitting KCSE

NAIROBI: The number of underage candidates who sat last year's examinations increased dramatically compared to previous years.

Statistics released by the national examiner said the percentage of students below 16 years increased to 9,600 (or 1.9 per cent) in the 2014 KCSE compared to 5,974 (1.3 per cent) in 2013.

Such candidates joined Standard One at the age of four years or below, instead of the recommended six years and above.

Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi urged parents to refrain from enrolling their children in school before they reach the recommended age.

He said enrolling too early interferes with their physical and intellectual development.

"I wish to urge all head teachers to enforce this policy by admitting learners who are of the expected age to facilitate stage-by-stage development of critical cognitive and psychomotor abilities of learners," he said.

Head teachers are also blamed for enrolling underage pupils due to pressure and financial inducements from parents.