By Malachi Motano
Candidates who sat for 2020 Kenya certificate of secondary education (KCSE) examination can now breath a sigh of relief after Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha has announced the conclusion of marking exercise.
“The marking exercise for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination that started three weeks ago has officially ended today. I take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated examiners and a committed team of Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission officials who worked tirelessly to ensure this exercise, which took place in 35 centres countrywide, was executed well,” said Magoha.
The finally ended after several protests by a section of markers on claims of delayed allowances, leaving some of the teachers at some marking centres down their tools, a move that implied that the candidates would wait even longer for their result
Prof. Magoha said the ministry will immediately embark on plans to have learners sit the 2021 national examinations. The CS was speaking on Friday while monitoring the end of the KCSE marking exercise at Starehe boys Center.
According to the CS, his ministry is working round the clock, to recover the time lost to the Coronavirus pandemic, urging players in the ministry to brace for a Marathon.
He at the same time outlined the term three school opening calendar. All Learners are expected to resume studies on Monday next week except those in grade 4, who shall remain home until the 26th of July.
“I wish to emphasize that Grade Four learners will remain at home until July 26th, 2021 when schools will open for the First Term of the 2021 Academic Calendar. This is necessary because the Grade Four learners were part of the first batch of learners who reopened in the first case of
the phased resumption of learning after the COVID-19 closure in October 2020,” he said
The CS warned that stern action would be taken against any school that violates the stipulated calendar by recalling Grade 4 learners before July 26.
“We have received reports that some private schools are planning to recall Grade Four learners together with other groups that are expected to open on Monday. Such schools must stop this plan and allow all public and private learning institutions to adhere to the stipulated calendar. Stern action will be taken against schools that reopen for Grade Four candidates. The Grade Four learners must be allowed to study at home until they join Grade 5 on July 26, 2021,” said the CS.
Meanwhile, the Education CS says the Government has released Ksh.7.5 billion to secondary schools ahead of the schools reopening. He added that the Ministry of Education has also made a request to the National Treasury for the release of a further Ksh.13 billion for the secondary schools and Ksh.2.8 billion for primary schools.
Education CS Prof. George Magoha speaks on March 17, 2021 when he received the title deed for Kenya Coast National Polytechnic from the Kwale County Government. PHOTO / COURTESY
