The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) 2021 examination results will be released in two weeks, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has said.
Magoha disclosed that marking of multiple choice papers has been completed adding that the ongoing marking of insha and composition was on course.
“The exercise is progressing well and we are taking good care of the markers to ensure that they remain safe given the difficult times we are operating in,” he said.
Since 2017, Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has been using a hybrid marking system with manual and electronic elements.
Electronic detection of answers on candidates’ answer sheets covers five subjects with multiple choices—Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Science, Social Studies and Religious Education. Optical mark recognition machines acquired in 2017 are used.
However, Kiswahili Insha and English Composition are marked by contracted teachers. The exercise, he said is expected to be completed in the next two weeks after which the results shall be announced.
“We have scheduled that in the next two weeks, the results should be out. Should there be any changes or any particular reason for delay we will let you know,” he said.
Speaking in Kisumu on Tuesday after witnessing the opening of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) container for Kisumu Central Sub-County, the CS said adequate measures have been put in place to safeguard the integrity of the examinations.
So far, he said only 15 people have been arrested in connection with examination irregularities and 15 mobile phones confiscated.
“This time our approach is different. If any student is caught with mobile phones, we confiscate and allow them to proceed with the examinations as we analyse the gadgets for due process to follow later,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
