KUPPET Refutes New Grading System Due to the Following Reasons
KUPPET Refutes New Grading System Due to the Following Reasons. The decision to revise the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) assessment structure for the remaining grades under the 8-4-4 system has sparked controversy among education stakeholders. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced these changes to be implemented this year.
Under the new system proposed by the President’s Taskforce on Education Reform, KCSE grades will now be based on two compulsory subjects: mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language) in addition to the top five performing subjects.
Previously, there were five compulsory subjects divided into three groups: Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two natural sciences and one humanities.
However, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has questioned the changes, describing them as a hasty reaction that would confuse the candidates rather than benefit them. Kuppet believes these changes may lead students to choose easier subjects, which may jeopardize STEM-related subjects and courses.
In an interview with the Standard, Akello Misori, the Secretary General of KUPPET opined that the government’s approach seems to be to reduce the number of students studying science subjects. This could subsequently lead to a reduction in demand for educational facilities and laboratories. He added: “Encouraging students to take an easier academic route may gradually reduce the number of engineering subjects, which will negatively affect science subjects as students choose easier alternatives.”