KNEC prohibits motivational talks in schools
KNEC prohibits motivational talks in schools
Due to the fact that schools are preparing for national exams, the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has banned its contracted examiners and assessors from conducting workshops or giving motivating speeches to students during this term. The Council claims that such actions might lead to conflicts of interest and possibly encourage exam cheating, a problem it has long worked to eradicate.
Typically, schools would employ a variety of experts to provide motivational speeches to their pupils in an effort to uplift and better prepare them for impending tests. Usually, these experts receive payment for their services.
About 89,910 KCSE invigilators and supervisors are employed by KNEC, who spends more than Ksh 2 billion annually on these services. Dr. David Njengere, the Council’s Chief Executive Officer, has asked all contracted professionals, examiners, or assessors to forego attending such workshops because they might cause exam leaks in a circular dated September 13, 2023 (reference number KNEC/CONF/EA/FAS/EXAM/023/022).
In the Circular, Dr. Njengere stated, “The Council has noticed that some KNEC-trained and contracted examiners and assessors have consistently been called upon by various organizations or institutions to facilitate workshops or deliver motivational talks for candidates preparing for national exams.”
The Council emphasized that the Oath of Secrecy, signed by every contracted professional, examiner, or assessor, forbids activities that cause conflicts of interest or reveal one’s identity as a KNEC examiner or assessor. The Council acknowledged the importance of helping candidates prepare for exams, peer learning, and enhancing pedagogical skills.
3.5 million students will take national exams in 2023, with 1.4 million taking the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), 903,260 signing up for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), and 1.2 million scheduled to take the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), according to KNEC data.
