Parliament invites public views on alleged cheating in 2022 KCSE

The National Assembly has invited public participation on alleged malpractices in the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Exam whose results were released last month.

The results announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on January 20 drew mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some alleging cheating.

This was after schools in some counties recorded what was perceived to be extraordinarily good performances.

Case in point was Nyambaria and Mobamba high schools, both in Nyamira County, which had all their 488 and 388 candidates respectively securing the C+ minimum university entry requirement. Mobimba had a mean score of 5.11 in 2021, which it raised to 9.28 in last year's exam.

Through a public notice dated February 2, Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge said the Committee on Education had resolved to conduct a public inquiry into the allegations and make recommendations to the House.

“The inquiry's terms of reference are to carry out a comprehensive analysis of KCSE examination results for the years 2019 to 2022 to determine whether there is a trend capable of providing plausible interpretations that can lead to conclusions on whether there was cheating as reported."

"To examine whether there was cheating and other malpractices in the examination, how they were arranged, the parties involved and extent of involvement, and the parties that bear the greatest responsibility,” the notice read.

Njoroge said the committee also seeks to examine the measures taken by the Education Ministry and the Kenya National Examinations Council to curb examination cheating and other malpractices end their adequacy.

“To consider the effectiveness of KNEC guidelines and rules in curbing examination malpractices; to examine whether examination marking stations were adequately prepared regarding the marking schemes, integrity of markers, award of marks and the moderation process.

To determine the efficiency, and effectiveness of Examination Management Officers from KNEC headquarters deployed to schools and whether they were involved; and to determine whether there is need for legislative measures, including review of, penalties on examination malpractices to enhance deterrence,” he added.

The House invited members of the public to submit memoranda on the specific terms of reference of the inquiry and on any other relevant issue the public may wish the Committee to consider.

Among those who raised concerns was Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who called for probe into alleged rigging.

CS Machogu has however since defended the results as credible, dismissing cheating claims as propaganda.

“From where I sit, there was no cheating. This is propaganda started by people who do not have proper intentions for the country,” the CS said on January 27, adding that the number of candidates attaining C+ has gradually increased over the years since before he took over the ministry.