With only two weeks remaining before the end of the KCSE examinations, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a strong message to all candidates, emphasizing the importance of discipline, focus, and seizing every available opportunity.
Speaking on behalf of the Union, Executive Secretary Martin Sembelo urged learners across the country to treat every day, every lesson, every revision session, and every question practiced as a crucial step toward their future.
“You are the third last class to sit the 8-4-4 system,” Sembelo reminded students. “Your performance is historic. How you finish will determine the legacy of this system. Do not allow complacency, distractions, or poor choices to rob you of your potential.”
He stressed that the final weeks of preparation are more critical than any previous exam or class test. “Success in these examinations is not determined by past reputation, mock results, or luck. It is determined by the seriousness with which you approach each opportunity. Every revision session counts, and every question practiced now could be the one that secures your dream course or career path,” he said.
Sembelo in his anecdotes from previous years to illustrate the impact of dedication and discipline in the final weeks. “I remember a student from West Pokot who had consistently scored low marks throughout the year. She barely made it past average in mock exams. But in the last two weeks, she changed her approach entirely. She stayed late in the library, sought help from teachers daily, and avoided distractions. On the day of the national examination, she performed exceptionally, earning grades far beyond expectations. Conversely, a top performer who had been brilliant all year assumed success was guaranteed. He spent the last two weeks socializing and ended up with disappointing results. The lesson is clear: how seriously you take every opportunity now is what will determine your success.”
In Kisumu County, another candidate’s story serves as a warning. A student who was consistently a middle performer decided to ignore the last two weeks, thinking that past performance guaranteed success. “He came to the exam overconfident, unprepared for some of the questions, and ended up missing key grades that would have qualified him for university. Discipline, focus, and revising even when you feel confident is critical,” Sembelo noted.
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These anecdotes, according to the KNUT boss, show that examination success is fluid and can change dramatically in the final days depending on effort and focus. “The exams reward those who embrace consistency, discipline, and seriousness. You can always improve if you make the choice today to take your studies seriously,” he said.
The KNUT Executive Secretary warned about distractions that derail learners at this critical stage. Drinking, smoking, sneaking out of school, or returning late at night may seem harmless to some candidates, but Sembelo described them as “silent killers of potential.” “Every minute wasted is an opportunity lost. The examination does not reward talent alone—it rewards preparation, discipline, and the wise use of time,” he emphasized.
He also highlighted the danger of complacency. Some candidates who have been performing well all year may assume that they are guaranteed success, only to falter in the final weeks. “Examinations are unpredictable. Complacency, distractions, or failure to revise thoroughly can undo months of hard work. Focus on what matters,” he warned
Sembelo also called on candidates to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices of their parents, saying that many families endure financial hardships to ensure their children have access to quality education—paying fees, providing uniforms, and meeting daily school needs.
“Failing to take your studies seriously is a disservice to your parents. Most schools will not allow you to repeat Form Four if you underperform. You may be sent back to Form Three, losing valuable time and momentum,” he said.
He urged candidates to reflect on the effort their families have put in and to use it as motivation to push harder. “Your parents have invested in your future. Don’t let their sacrifices go to waste. Every hour you spend revising, every question you attempt, every lesson you attend is a tribute to their hard work,” he added.
Sembelo further emphasized the role of teachers in preparing candidates, acknowledging the long hours they put into mentoring and guiding students. “Teachers have sacrificed weekends, evenings, and personal time to ensure you are ready for these exams. They have corrected your mistakes, clarified doubts, and offered guidance at every step. But remember, the ultimate responsibility rests with you. Schools, lessons, and past results cannot write the paper for you. Every revision session you attend, every question you attempt, and every hour you dedicate to studying counts,” he said.
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Another point he stressed was the irrelevance of mock examination results. “Some learners who struggled throughout the year can still perform exceptionally if they dedicate themselves fully in the final weeks. Conversely, learners who have consistently performed well may fail if they become complacent. Do not rely on past performance to predict your results. The national examination is a fresh start and rewards those who are disciplined and focused,” Sembelo said
The Union official further reminded candidates of the importance of respecting examination officers and staff. “These individuals are there to maintain fairness and order at examination centres. Disrespect, negligence, or rule-breaking can create unnecessary distractions and even lead to disqualification. Courtesy and patience are not minor virtues—they are crucial tools for success,” he said.
With only two weeks left, Sembelo urged learners to make every moment count. He encouraged candidates to attend all remaining lessons, revise thoroughly, practice past papers, and seek guidance from teachers on topics they find challenging. “These last two weeks are transformative. Candidates who approach them with seriousness and discipline can dramatically improve their performance. Those who ignore them risk mediocrity. Keep your eyes on the ball, stay focused, and make every opportunity count,” he said.
To further drive his point, he cited examples from Nairobi County, where learners who had previously struggled decided to dedicate the last weeks fully to revision. “They divided their time carefully, practiced past papers, consulted teachers, and revised weak areas systematically. Their final grades reflected the power of taking every day seriously. Preparation and focus in these final weeks can literally change the outcome,” he said.
Sembelo concluded with a message of determination: “Time waits for no one. The examinations will not pause for indecision or negligence. Seize every opportunity, stay disciplined, focus fully, and honor the sacrifices of your parents and the guidance of your teachers. Your effort, seriousness, and determination today are the foundation of your success tomorrow.”
He also reminded candidates that even in the final days, it is possible to turn performance around. “Every sunrise is a chance to revise, to ask questions, to strengthen your understanding. Candidates who make deliberate choices to focus and work hard in these final weeks often see remarkable transformations. Success is earned, not given,” he said.
By Hillary Muhalya
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