KNEC tells off KNUT over grade setting

Kenya National Examination Council says that it is not legally obligated to invite Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) to participate in the KCSE examination awards and grade setting meeting.

KNEC insists that they are under no obligation to consult them or any other party for the award and grade setting.

While defending the 2017 KCSE results, KNEC says that any directive to release marking schemes or marked answer scripts will compromise the security of the national examinations.

The body added that the awards and grade setting of the 2017 KCSE exams was done as per the KNEC awards rules and regulations similar to the previous years.

“The council wishes to categorically state that the 2017 examinations and subsequent investigations were conducted objectively, fairly, in compliance with all laws and regulations and without malice or ulterior motive against any candidate. Last year’s examination results reveal the capabilities of the candidates and the results are credible,” says KNEC CEO Mercy Karogo.

In an affidavit, Karogo argues that they conduct all examinations in full adherence to the Constitution of Kenya.

This was a response to a case filed by activist Okiya Omtata who wants the examination body compelled to release certified copies of the marked answer sheets of all 2017 candidates.

KNEC argues that it neither isolated nor gave special treatment to any candidate or school during the marking and processing or the examination results but treated all students who sat the examination fairly, equitable and equally.

“The allegation and prayers sought for in the petition are intended to interfere with the institution mandate to test and asses the quality of education in Kenya,” read the court documents.

Omtata further argues that KNEC’s failure to release the marked answer sheets to school is arbitrary and shrouded in secrecy.

He adds that KNEC has failed to respect, uphold and defend the Constitution.

“The release of the answer sheets, as sought by the petitioner, will not compromise the integrity of the examination or the examination process or infringe on the right of anyone to privacy so as to qualify for exemption under section 42(2) of the Kenya National Examination Council act No. 29 of 2012” Omtata argues.