I note that in the 2014 KCSE exam results released on Tuesday this week, there is a marked improvement in performance of Kisii County Schools from the 2013 KCSE results.
This is commendable because as a County, we held the first ever Education Stakeholders’ conference where we resolved to ensure our schools did well in national exams.
However, I note with concern and general displeasure that a number of schools in this county had their results cancelled or withheld by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). Indeed, the number of schools and candidates affected is big as over 500 candidates had their results cancelled while 236 had their results withheld. Worst affected are our two National Schools; Kisii School and Nyabururu Girls.
This presents a disturbing scenario as these are schools we peg very high hopes in as a County. Further, this is the second year running when the results of Nyabururu Girls are pended. Why are the results of this school doubted yet it has all it takes to compete and perform well nationally?
During the conduct of KCSE exams last year, education officials and KNEC staff both at local and national level monitored it and no incident of malpractice was reported.
Last year, Kisii School marked 80 years of existence and all the Kisii leaders including the Head of State graced the occasion where the institution was commended for its consistent good performance over the years. Similarly, Nyabururu Girls marked 50 years of existence. What has changed all over sudden? It appears there is a pre-conceived idea about the performance of Kisii Schools in National exams by the Kenya National Examinations Council which is misguided.
I have since written to KNEC demanding a clear indication of what transpired. We ask for the immediate release of the pended results for Nyabururu Girls and a thorough and expedient audit of the results for all the affected schools.
We also feel as leaders from the county, the ministry of education and the National Examinations Council should not keep us in the dark.
HON. JAMES E.O. ONGWAE, CBS, EBS, OGW
GOVERNOR,
KISII COUNTY
