Differences emerge over new KCSE grading system
A division has arisen among education stakeholders in response to a decision to modify the grading structure for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) within the 8-4-4 system. These changes, unveiled by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Monday, will become effective this year.
Under the new setup proposed by the Presidential Working Party for Education Reform, KCSE grading will now rely on two compulsory subjects to determine students’ final scores: Mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language), along with any other five best-performing subjects. In contrast, the previous system mandated five subjects spanning three cluster groups, including Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two sciences, and one humanity.
Nevertheless, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has opposed these changes, describing them as a hasty response that may confuse candidates more than assist them. Kuppet asserts that the alterations could lead students to opt for easier subjects, potentially undermining STEM-related fields and courses.
Also Read:KNEC 2023 KCSE Qualifying Test Examination Timetable
On the opposing side, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has endorsed the adoption of the new grading system. Knut argues that the prior rigidity in marking and grading resulted in unfilled slots in colleges and supports the integration of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) into the 8-4-4 curriculum.
National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa believes the changes should have been extended to this year’s KCPE examinations, advocating for grading in only three subjects instead of all five.
Meanwhile, Prof Stephen Mbugua, chairman of the Kenya Association of Private Universities, anticipates that these changes will enhance access to tertiary education and bolster enrollment in both private and public universities. He highlights that private universities have faced declining numbers since the introduction of a new university funding model.
Education expert Paul Wanjohi also chimes in, expressing the view that this grading model should have been adopted earlier, aligning with the goals of the new curriculum to develop each learner’s potential.
Differences emerge over new KCSE grading system
