Teacher training colleges have accused the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) of unfairly changing the exam system which had resulted in poor performance.
The colleges argued in 2016, Knec unilaterally reviewed the grading system to require that students must pass all the eight subjects and they are graded on all of them.
Previously, trainee teachers studied eight subjects, but were only graded on six.
But in 2016/17, college principals say Knec unilaterally required that candidates study eight subjects and that they must pass all the eight.
No consultation
They say Knec did not consult stakeholders during the review like was the case in 2005 when college principals participated in the change from the 13 subjects of which six were graded at the time to the current system.
The college principals have also blamed poor marking for the slump in performance.
Yesterday, Anastasia Mutuku, the secretary general of the Kenya Teachers’ Training Colleges Principals’ Association, said they have unsuccessfully petitioned Knec to revert to the previous system to grade six of the eight subjects.
“We request that students do the eight subjects, pass the eight but are only graded on six like it used to happen,” said Mutuku, who is also the chief principal Kamwenja Teachers Training College in Nyeri.
She explained the association raised its concerns with Knec when the new system was introduced.
“I went there and complained that our members had reservation about the new examination system. But I was told that since a new education curriculum was coming up, that would be the best time to address it,” Mutuku said.
Mutuku said there was a time Knec used to incorporate results of students taking a refer (re-sit) after one year at home in calculating the mean score, which they complained was unfair.
“We told them to give results of refers on a different printout. That way the mean score could only be based on the current group of regular students. We appreciate that they listened to our plea and that was done. Likewise, we ask Knec to listen to us on this grading system that is unfair,” said association official.
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