KNUT Calls for Lower Exam Center Candidate Requirement, from 30 to 10.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is urging the education sector to reduce the minimum candidate requirement per exam center from 30 to 10. This adjustment would particularly benefit students in remote areas who currently face long travel distances to meet the candidate threshold for national exams.
According to Benard Maiyo, Chairperson of KNUT’s Chesumei/Nandi Central branch, low candidate counts in rural schools are largely due to widespread family planning practices, which have decreased the student population in these areas. Maiyo emphasized that the current threshold of 30 candidates per center creates undue challenges for rural students, requiring them to travel extensively just to reach an exam center. For many, this journey can add stress during an already demanding period.
KNUT is appealing to Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang’ to address this issue by working with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to implement the proposed change. Maiyo also highlighted that KNUT has raised this concern before, citing the significant challenges that students in underserved areas continue to face.
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In addition to lowering the candidate minimum, KNUT advocates for an increased number of exam containers. Maiyo argued that adding more containers across the region would enhance the efficiency of exam distribution and collection. He pointed out that with sufficient police and administrative support, Kenya could easily manage additional containers. By doing so, exam centers could provide more timely and accessible services, benefiting students and administrators alike.
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KNUT’s local branch reported a smooth start to the ongoing national exams, with no candidate absenteeism recorded thus far. In a separate update, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams began without major issues in Bomet, signaling effective logistical preparations in the region. County Director of Education Leonard Ngugi shared that no students are taking exams in hospitals this year, a significant logistical achievement made possible by well-coordinated efforts. Ngugi also noted that preparations remain strong, especially in Konoin and Bomet Central, which anticipate heavy rains during the exam period.
KNUT Calls for Lower Exam Center Candidate Requirement, from 30 to 10.
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