National examinations expose students to unfair competition

The alleged cases of leakage reported during the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations have put to question those entrusted with managing the education sector. More worrying is that even international bodies like the World Bank have raised concern over the deteriorating education standards in Kenya.

Former Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi refused to yield to pressure to cancel the 2015 KCSE exams despite claims of widespread leakage which the candidates shared on social media platforms like whatsApp and Facebook. He said the ministry had mechanisms to detect cheating. While it is in unfair to suggest that every candidate cheated, this dealt a blow to hardworking students whose sterling performance will now be put to question. Claims of exam leakage also dented the credibility of the Kenya National Examination Council (Knec).