Private schools have filed a petition in parliament over the process of marking and release of KCPE 2020 examination which they allege was not fair.

Marking of KCPE exams petition

The petition was filed by Ms. Mary Njoki and Mr. Isaac Njoroge from private schools. The petition was first read in parliament on 4th August 20201 under Order No.4 titled “Integrity of the process of marking and release of KCPE examination” and directed to Parliament Departmental Committee on Education and Research.

Petitioner Argument

The petitioners argue that KCPE 2020 examination was manipulated to favor candidates from Public Schools.

The petitioners go ahead to argue that private schools invested heavily in technology as an alternative means of learning (online classes), therefore they were better prepared for KCPE examination compared to students from Public Schools.

The petitioners were shocked that KCPE examinations could be manipulated to favor candidates from public schools leading to a drastic drop in performance from candidates in private schools.

The petitioners have attached evidence to show that marks they were awarded for KCPE 2020 reflect a drastic reduction in their scores compared to their colleagues in public schools.

Private schools are also concerned that the progress of marking and release of KCPE examination lacks transparency as KNEC has deliberately put in place barriers to limit verification of candidates scores.

Petitioner Prayer

The petitioners want the national assembly through the Departmental Committee on Education and Research to launch an inquiry into the allegation of possible manipulation of KCPE examination which led to the candidates in Public schools being awarded higher scores than their counterparts in private schools.