Ministry of education has today revealed that the number of compulsory subjects to used in 2023 KCSE grading system. According to education cabinet secretary, Mathematics and any other language are the compulsory subject in the latest grading system.
“We have today met here with all the key stakeholders to discuss the new grading structure that will be implemented in the 2023 KCSE Examination. Effective this year, only two mandatory subjects will be required for computing the mean grade. Previously there were five mandatory subjects across three cluster groups – Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two sciences and one humanity,” stated CS Machogu.
In the new grading system that will be applied to the 2023 KCSE examination, the only two mandatory subjects will be Mathematics and one language, (English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language). In addition to the two mandatory subjects – the Kenya National Examinations Council will consider any other five best performed subjects. It is expected that the new reform measure will increase the number of students qualifying for universities, Diploma and TVET training at Certificate and Artisan levels.
Here is the full speech from CS Machogu
SPEECH BY THE CABINET SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION HON. EZEKIEL MACHOGU, CBS, DURING THE STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON NEW GRADING SYSTEM FOR KCSE EXAMINATION AND LAUNCH OF 2023 NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS SEASON AT NEW MITIHANI HOUSE, SOUTH C ON MONDAY, 25TH SEPTEMBER 2023
o Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Prof. Kithure Kindiki;
o Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Mr. Eliud Owalo;
o Principal Secretaries present;
o Chairman of KNEC Council; Prof Julius Nyabundi, and Council Members present;
o Chief Executive Officer, KNEC;
o The CEOs present;
o Senior Ministry of Education officials;
o Regional, County and Sub County Directors; o Regional Police Commanders;
o Deputy County Commissioners and Assistant County Commissioners;
o Representatives of Teacher Associations; o KNEC staff;
o All invited guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning,
I wish to welcome all of you today to the launch of the 2023 National Examinations season. I am glad that my fellow Cabinet Secretaries Prof Kithure Kindiki (Interior and National Administration), and Eliud Owalo (Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy) have found time to join us today as we kick off this important season.
Like we have done over the last six years, the administration of the national examinations will adopt a multi-agency approach reflecting a Whole-of-
Government response to ensure the examinations are administered as efficiently and effectively as possible. I look forward to even greater success during the 2023 examinations season, in line with our determination to ensure our education system, examinations, and assessments remain credible for us to achieve the development envisaged in the Kenya Vision 2030.
Today’s function brings together key players who will oversee the 576 examinations storage and distribution centres countrywide; and the representatives from other
stakeholder institutions who are gathered to engage with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) on the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms regarding grading of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.
The recommendations contained in the report of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms that was received and released by His Excellency the President, Dr William Ruto, are key in guiding the education sector in Kenya.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to highlight some of the recommendations that need immediate attention to guide the implementation of Basic Education.
1. We have today met here with all the key stakeholders to discuss the new grading structure that will be implemented in the 2023 KCSE Examination. Effective this year, only two
mandatory subjects will be required for
computing the mean grade. Previously there were five mandatory subjects across three cluster groups – Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two sciences and one humanity. In the new grading system that will be applied to the 2023 KCSE examination, the only two mandatory
subjects will be Mathematics and one language, (English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language). In addition to the two mandatory subjects – the Kenya National Examinations Council will consider any other five best
performed subjects. It is expected that the new reform measure will increase the number of students qualifying for universities, Diploma and TVET training at Certificate and Artisan levels.
2. The review of minimum entry requirements for preservice teacher education is underway for the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) and Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE). The teacher trainees will
now be admitted under a reviewed subject cluster requirements and grades.
3. The Working Party recommended leveraging technology at all levels of education by developing ICT infrastructure for curriculum and improve digital literacy among teachers, parents,
and other stakeholders. In this regard, KNEC in line with the global trends and expectations of the 21st Century has incorporated digital literacy
by ensuring that the assessments for teacher trainees are conducted electronically. This will entrench digital literacy among the teachers and provide skills that the teachers can impart to the learners in our schools. It is worth noting that digital literacy is one of the core competencies that learners are expected to acquire under the
CBC and a key target needed to ensure Kenya’s industrial development.
4. The rationalisation of the number of learning areas and curriculum design in terms of scope, integration of subjects within a learning area, gaps, content overload and overlaps in basic education is ongoing and shall be announced soon to guide the implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum and Competency Based Assessment
I wish to appreciate the support that was accorded to my Ministry by my counterparts in the ministry of
Interior and National Administration; and the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy during the 2022 examinations and assessments. I want to reiterate that the steadfast support they gave my ministry was critical in ensuring a successful 2022
examinations season.
May I also acknowledge the support accorded to the Ministry of Education by the Presidency and all the Cabinet secretaries many of whom participated in the national monitoring exercise of the examinations. I wish
to assure the public that engagements on matters relating to the effective administration of the 2023 national examinations and assessments with other ministries are on top gear.
I urge all personnel who will take part in the national examinations to dispense their duties with utmost professionalism in line with set guidelines. In particular, all those who will be engaged in the management of this year’s examinations and assessments must uphold integrity while executing their roles and to remain
vigilant to deter any form of malpractice. My ministry will ensure that appropriate action will be taken against officers who contravene the rules and regulations put in place. The Government will not spare any person found to be abetting cheating in examinations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In March this year, we engaged our stakeholders concerning the conduct of examinations. The stakeholders agreed on mapping of examination centres to the nearest distribution centres to improve the
efficiency of examinations administration. Further, it was agreed that from this year, KCSE examination materials will be collected from the distribution centres twice daily. Circulars regarding these changes were sent to the sub
counties and I am sure this information has been cascaded to the appropriate officers for adherence.
Security shall be beefed up in areas that are prone to insecurity to ensure that all the candidates undertake examinations and assessments in a conducive environment.
The Government is keenly monitoring the weather forecast reports to ensure necessary measures have been put in place to deal with any unfavourable conditions that could threaten the smooth delivery of the examination materials to some centres.
We assure all Kenyans, parents, guardians, teachers, and candidates that the 2023 examination and assessments materials are safe and secure. I urge the public to be wary of unscrupulous individuals who would
want to con and sell fake examination materials to unsuspecting candidates and parents/guardians. Candidates should rely on the knowledge they have acquired while learning and desist from being involved in unethical activities towards cheating in examinations.
Finally, I wish to thank everyone who has always been involved in this process for their commitment to ensuring the successful conduct of the national examinations and assessments.
It is now my honour and privilege to declare the 2023 national examinations and assessments season officially launched.
Thank You and God Bless You!