KUPPET Opposes New Grading System citing Decline STEM
The decision to revise the grading structure of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) for the remaining classes under the 8-4-4 system has stirred controversy among education stakeholders. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced these changes, which are set to be implemented this year.
Under the new system proposed by the Presidential Working Group for Education Reform, KCSE grades will now be based on two mandatory subjects: mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language), in addition to the five highest-performing subjects.
Previously, there were five required subjects spread across three cluster groups: mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two sciences, and one humanities.
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However, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has contested these changes, labeling them a hasty response likely to confuse candidates rather than benefit them. Kuppet believes that these changes may prompt students to opt for easier subjects, potentially endangering STEM-related subjects and courses.
In an interview with the Standard, Akello Misori, the Secretary-General of KUPPET, expressed the view that the government’s approach seems to aim at reducing the number of students pursuing science subjects. This could, in turn, lead to reduced demand for educational facilities and laboratories. He added, “Encouraging students to take the easier academic path may gradually diminish technical subjects, negatively impacting scientific subjects as students opt for easier alternatives.”
KUPPET Opposes New Grading System citing Decline STEM
