Controversy Surrounds Admission of 2,000 Learners to Form 1 Without KCPE Exam
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu’s recent announcement to permit 2,000 learners to enter Form 1 without sitting the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) has stirred controversy. Despite earlier assurances that 9,000 learners who missed the 2023 KCPE exam would undergo supplementary tests in January, only 2,000 have been located and are now allowed to join Form One starting January 8, 2024.
The move, seen by education stakeholders as a serious breach of policy, prompted criticism. Education experts question the criteria for admission, emphasizing that learners traditionally need Standard Eight result slips for admission, raising concerns about policy inconsistency.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) chairperson Omboko Milemba expressed concern, stating that the decision contradicts established policies and could set a precedent for others who did not sit the KCPE or dropped out to appeal for Form One admission. He emphasized the need for a special exam before admission, as even a small number of students would warrant a supplementary exam.
The lack of clarity on the placement criteria for these students in national, sub-county, county, or sub-county schools adds to the controversy. Milemba raised questions about the fairness of the decision, potentially disadvantaging students who lack exam scores for proper placement.
Milemba argued that the move is legally questionable and could have consequences for the affected learners. He highlighted the possibility of legal action challenging the admission process and warned that it might lead to students being stigmatized for entering Form One without taking the KCPE.
Education Cabinet Secretary Machogu has directed the Kenya National Examination Council to release further guidelines regarding the entry examination, attempting to address some of the concerns raised by education stakeholders.
