The 2023 KCSE exam results have sparked widespread concern and raised crucial questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the country’s education system.

While we congratulate, and rightly so, the high achievers across the country, the disheartening reality for the majority of candidates cannot be overlooked.

The results reveal a distressing truth: out of nearly 900,000 candidates, over 600,000 are in the bottom half, with about 48,000 of those scoring the lowest grade of E. This outcome begs a critical evaluation of the education system. Is it acceptable for an educational framework to generate more failures than successes?

Education should serve as an equalizer, providing every child with a fair chance for success. However, the current trend indicates a systemic flaw that disproportionately hinders the majority from achieving their potential.

The educational infrastructure seems to favor certain privileged institutions, allowing them to consistently produce high-performing students. This exacerbates existing societal inequalities and fosters corruption within the education sector, where wealth can unfairly influence academic outcomes.

The reported instances of bribery to secure placements in top schools highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms. A fair and equitable education system should not be susceptible to such manipulation and favoritism. It must ensure equal opportunities for all students, irrespective of their background or financial means.

The government’s initiative to launch an investigation into the widespread underperformance in the 2023 KCSE exam is a step in the right direction. The findings and subsequent actions should aim to create a more inclusive, supportive, and quality-driven educational environment.

Ultimately, the goal should be to redefine success within our educational system. Reforms should aim to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills, preparing students for both academic pursuits and the demands of the real world beyond the mere classification of A to E.

Copy by Fred Indimuli- host Morning Cafe show