The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has raised concerns over what it termed as mistreatment and intimidation of its members involved in marking the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. Speaking on Thursday, November 28, KUPPET Siaya branch official Sam Opondo decried the actions of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), accusing it of humiliating teachers.
Opondo revealed that some teachers were being removed from marking centres based on allegations that their schools were involved in examination irregularities. He criticized KNEC for disregarding professionalism and decorum in its treatment of examiners, claiming that the affected teachers were subjected to undue embarrassment.
“In recent days, we have seen KNEC abandon common decency and subject examiners to untold humiliation. Teachers are being retired prematurely and ejected from marking centres like criminals, without proper justification,” Opondo told reporters.
The union has demanded the immediate reinstatement of the affected teachers and compensation for the emotional and professional harm caused. Opondo warned that if KNEC failed to address these grievances, KUPPET would consider calling for a boycott of the KCSE marking process.
The dispute comes shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 KCSE exams, with marking now underway. Earlier this month, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos announced a series of reforms aimed at curbing examination malpractice. Migos emphasized that the government would hold individuals accountable for any irregularities rather than penalizing entire schools or examination centres.
“We have implemented strict measures to ensure the integrity of the exams. If a student or teacher is found culpable, we will trace the malpractice to its source using serialised exam papers. Those involved will face the consequences individually,” Migos stated during a recent briefing in Nairobi.
KUPPET, however, argued that KNEC’s actions have gone beyond addressing malpractice and are now infringing on the dignity and rights of teachers. Opondo reiterated that the union supports efforts to maintain examination integrity but insisted that examiners must be treated with respect.
The standoff between KUPPET and KNEC has sparked concerns over potential disruptions in the KCSE marking process. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders in the education sector will be watching closely to see whether the two sides can resolve the impasse amicably.
By Newsmedia