It is now emerging that the released Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results have anomalies.
According to local news outlets, the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) erroneously awarded some candidates wrong marks and assigned grades for subjects candidates did not sit for.
In other instances, there were also identical scores that were assigned different grades, some candidates received higher grades for lower scores.
Concerned candidates, parents, and schools have communicated their grievances to the Kenya National Examination Council, urging rectification.
Eddy Ikonge Bosire who sat her KCPE at Kari Primary School in Kisii is among the many students who were awarded marks erroneously.
According to a message she received, as reported by citizen tv 7pm news, Bosire was awarded a grade A plain in English which is different from what is in the portal which indicates that she scored an A minus. Another noticeable error in Bosire’s case is the awarding of marks for the Kenya Sign Language subject instead of the Kiswahili language in which she was examined.
Eddy Bosire’s case reflects that of many candidates who have reportedly petitioned the Kenya National Examination Council to review their KCPE results. Those who reached out to us share similar discrepancies.
The awarding of grades for subjects they did not sit for was highly rampant.
Moreover, some candidates received the same marks but different grades. For instance, a score of 74 marks in Social Studies and Religion resulted in a B plain grade in one case, while a different candidate with a score of 73 marks in the same subject received a B plus grade.
KNEC, in response to our queries, acknowledged receiving complaints from candidates and various schools. According to KNEC CEO Dr David Njengere, candidates have a 30-day window to question the system and address any issues with the examination body through the sub-county director of education.
Njengere, however, attributed the issue to the SMS provider, stating that the challenges candidates faced were not due to KNEC but the SMS service provider.
He added that the matter was raised early on Friday with the service provider and has since been addressed.
The results have raised eyebrows amongst Kenyans.
“More schools are reporting anomalies in the KCPE 2023 results. This is now becoming embarrassing.” State one social media users.
Former presidetial candidate James Ole Kiyapi weighed in, saying “What is the real reason for hurrying to release exam results? It is not like KCPE candidates have to report to F1 this month! Why NOT take enough time, check and ensure accuracy? There is NO competition on exam release – it is more important it is done properly!”
“More than 24 hours later and Rigathi Gachagua is yet to blame Uhuru Kenyatta for interfering with the KCPE results transmission system yesterday. Is everything okay at the Mathira Toothbrush Market?” Another social media user stated.
