Do not collect exam papers, union tells teachers as row rages

Head teachers have been told not to pick up national examination papers as directed by the government.

The Kenya National Union of Teachers secretary-general, Mr Wilson Sossion, said they supported the examination reforms but it was unacceptable to compel head teachers to supervise the exams.

“We insist that elimination of examination cheating must be done in a structured manner,” said Mr Sossion in an interview.

It will be unfair, he said, for head teachers to collect examination materials every morning. He said the law needs to change to give them such powers.

The examinations are overseen by supervisors hired by the Kenya National Examinations Council.

“The intentions are good but we instruct our teachers to stay in schools and wait for the examination materials to be delivered there by Knec,” said Mr Sossion. He asked the council to hire its own supervisors.

The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations start on November 1 and end on November 3, while Form Four examinations will begin with the theory papers on November 7 and end on November 30.

ALLOCATE MORE TIME

Mr Sossion also asked the examination council to allocate more time to disabled candidates.

The secretary-general said the time given to the students was insufficient.

The council’s acting chief executive officer, Ms Mercy Karogo, warned that candidates found engaging in irregularities will have their results cancelled.

(READ: Teachers reject new exam rules)
“No communication whatsoever between candidates or with outsiders is allowed during the examinations,” said Ms Karogo. She added: “You are not allowed to have in your possession or in your proximity while in the examination room, any book, notes, papers or any other materials whatsoever except the correct question papers and any materials expressly authorised by the Kenya National Examinations Council.”

Any misconduct or causing of disturbance in or near the examination room by students, she said, will be treated as an examination irregularity.

“Cell phones or any other electronic communication device are prohibited in examination centres,” she warned.

Ms Karogo warned that should there be evidence of widespread irregularities in any examination centre, the results for the whole centre will be cancelled.
A new law provides that exam cheats are jailed for 10 years.

Last year, the results of about 2,709 primary and 5,100 secondary school candidates cancelled due to massive cheating.