Education Ministry Axes Mock and Joint Exams for All Schools
Through its Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, the Ministry of Education banned all mock and joint examinations for all institutions.
In a letter to GossipA2Z dated July 14, a Ministry representative elaborated on a statement issued on July 6 regarding the purpose of the measure, emphasizing its intent to address the rising incidence of school unrest.
The statement read in part, “The purpose of this circular is to request that you bring to the attention of all schools under your jurisdiction and take corrective action to prevent any occurrence.”
In addition, the ministry instructed all schools not to conduct inter-school examinations because the program would interfere with the school calendar.
Kipsang added that the decision was reached following a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Education and the Special Investigation Team, respectively chaired by David Koech and Claire Omollo.
Previously, the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) advocated for the prohibition of practice exams administered jointly.
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Further, the association suggested that the ministry implement additional strategies to ensure order in the education sector.
In previous proposals, the ministry sought to supplant simulated exams with Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs), arguing that schools had commercialized the practice.
According to the ministry, school disruptions have contributed to heightened tension in schools, especially boarding schools. These strikes were prompted by several obstacles encountered by students and their demands for improved conditions.
Teachers from various schools complained that transfer students were conducting strikes and destroying schools.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) expressed concern about student strikes in 2021, which were reportedly sparked by the ministry’s announcement of shortened half-term breaks.
Omboko Milemba, the chairman of the union, explained that midterm breaks are necessary for students to relieve stress and enable parents to counsel their children before returning to school.
Education Ministry Axes Mock and Joint Exams for All Schools
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