By Amoto Ndiewo
Candidates in the on-going Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations have expressed concerns over the tests, terming it as one of the most difficult exams they have ever done.
Teachers and candidates who spoke to Education News lamented that some of the questions were beyond the syllabus and requested the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) to be considerate while marking.
Abdikadir Mohamed, a student at a school in Garissa town said the exams have proven to be harder than expected.
“I don’t normally complain but this one has been a hard nut to crack,’’ said Mohamed.
Mohamed isn’t the only one expressing concern Maryann Kantoma, a student in Wajir Girls School said that the national tests are set above their standards and one has to be pretty smart to come with the correct answers.
She specifically pointed at the Chemistry and Mathematics papers.
Both students said despite doing thorough revision alone, in groups and with their respective tutors, the exams have proven to be too tough for their brains to comprehend.
Abdikani Lohka from Mororo High school in Tana River County said that he was hoping to do a course in ICT, but such hopes looks dashed.
His request for the Ministry of Education is to lower the cut off points for university for candidates sitting 2020 KCSE.
However, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha dismissed the claims by the learners, terming them as lazy students.
“Do not worry about the examination. We are aware you were at home for nine months, so your hope must remain alive. Do not get stressed. If you believe in God, you will all pass,” the CS had earlier assured the students.
