Why it took only 19 days to release the 2017 KCPE results

Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) Chairperson George Magoha highlighted on Wednesday why the 2017 KCPE exam results were out 19 days after the national exam was concluded.

Speaking during the official release of the KCPE examination results, Prof. Magoha attributed the ease of exam marking this year to the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) machines.

KNEC had procured 20 OMR machines at a cost of about Ksh.100 million, to enhance and quicken the process of marking exam scripts. The machines seem to have met what the examining body was targeting; reducing the workforce by up to 50%.

With the personalised OMR machines marking the multiple choice answer sheets, teachers had to now focus on marking Insha, Composition, Braille and sign languages.

A total of 5,366 Kenyan teachers were hired by KNEC to handle the marking of these exams, with Prof. Magoha saying that they finished marking the 993,718 scripts in 5 days.

“Last year I told you that my humble self sat down and wrote index numbers for over 20,000 students, this time I didn’t do any such thing because we pre-printed the names, center number and index number in the OMR form which enabled us to move quickly,” said Magoha.

Dr. Matiang’i hailed the co-operation between the national government, ministries of Education and Interior, KNEC and Teacher’s Service Commission (TSC).

According to Dr. Matiang’i, the government helped a lot in ensuring that both KCPE and KCSE went on smoothly.

“Because of the rains in the country KNEC hired helicopters in Wajir, Turkana, Isiolo, Kwale and Nairobi to assist in airlifting exam materials timely. I want to thank the Kenya Police and KDF for provide the choppers,” added Magoha.