MP Calls for Fair Exam Practices: A Guide for Kenyan Parents

According to The Mt Kenya Times, Member of Parliament Steve Mogaka has publicly appealed to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to administer upcoming examinations with humanity, justice and fairness. In his statement, Mogaka urged the council to consider the diverse circumstances that learners face across the country and to ensure that assessment practices treat every student equitably. He highlighted the need for an approach that recognises hardship while upholding the integrity of the CBC assessment system.

Reported Appeal by MP Steve Mogaka

The report does not disclose additional information about the specific examinations, the timing of the appeal, or any official response from KNEC. Consequently, the full extent of the request and its potential impact on the examination calendar remain unclear. Parents and educators are advised to await further clarification from the council before drawing conclusions. As the story develops, stakeholders will be watching for official statements that could shape how assessments are conducted in the coming months.

Why the Appeal Matters for Kenyan Families

For Kenyan families, the prospect of examinations being conducted with humanity and fairness touches on everyday concerns about stress, preparation costs, and the emotional wellbeing of learners. When assessment policies are perceived as just, parents feel more confident that their children’s effort will be measured accurately, without undue penalty for circumstances beyond their control. This reassurance can reduce anxiety at home, allowing families to focus on supportive study routines rather than fearing arbitrary setbacks.

Equitable exam administration also aligns with the CBC’s emphasis on holistic development across all strands, from Literacy and Numeracy to Life Skills and Creative Arts. When learners know that the assessment framework respects diverse learning pathways, they are more likely to engage fully with the curriculum, and parents can celebrate progress in each sub-strand rather than focusing solely on raw scores. This broader perspective supports long-term educational goals and nurtures a growth mindset within the household.

Implications for Teachers and Schools

Teachers and school leaders will need to translate any guidance from KNEC into classroom practice that reflects the call for humanity and justice. This may involve offering flexible assessment timelines, providing additional support for learners who have missed instructional time, and ensuring that marking rubrics capture the full range of competencies outlined in each CBC strand. By embedding empathy into grading, educators can maintain academic standards while acknowledging the varied challenges students encounter.

Professional development sessions can be used to familiarise teachers with inclusive assessment strategies that align with the CBC’s sub-strand objectives, such as integrating real-world problem solving into Mathematics or using community projects to assess Life Skills. Schools might also establish clear communication channels with parents, explaining how any adjusted procedures will be applied fairly. Such transparency not only builds trust but also reinforces the shared responsibility of nurturing learners who are prepared for both examinations and life beyond school.

Keeping Your Child Learning During Uncertainty

While the examination framework is being discussed, parents can continue to reinforce learning through everyday activities that align with CBC strands. Reading aloud, discussing current events, and encouraging children to keep a reflective journal support the Literacy and Communication sub-strands. In Mathematics, everyday budgeting, measuring ingredients for cooking, or mapping routes to school provide practical contexts for numeracy skills. Such informal learning keeps the curriculum alive and reduces the pressure of formal testing.

The current term and upcoming holidays offer a natural window for project-based learning that can be documented for assessment. Families might organise a small community garden, a simple science experiment, or a cultural showcase that ties into the Creative Arts and Life Skills strands. Documenting the process with photos, written observations, and reflections creates a portfolio that can later be referenced during formal examinations, demonstrating mastery of both knowledge and application.

Practical Steps Parents Can Take Right Now

Parents can take concrete steps now to prepare for any eventual changes in exam administration. First, review the CBC curriculum guides for your child’s grade to ensure you understand the expected competencies in each strand and sub-strand. Resources such as Grade 8 materials or Grade 9 materials are freely available and can be used to create revision plans that focus on both knowledge and skill development. Set aside a regular study hour each day and involve siblings in peer teaching to reinforce concepts.

Second, organise a simple learning schedule that blends revision with creative projects aligned to the CBC strands. For example, a family storytelling night can strengthen Literacy while a budgeting game at the kitchen table reinforces Numeracy and Life Skills. Parents should also keep an eye on official KNEC announcements through the school’s communication channels and the ministry’s website, so they can