For this reason, KUPPET is opposed to the new grading system.
Among those who have a stake in education, the proposal to change the grading structure of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) for the classes that would still be administered under the 8-4-4 system has sparked disagreement. The modifications, which will take effect starting this year, were announced by Ezekiel Machogu, who is serving as Cabinet Secretary for Education.
According to the new approach that was recommended by the Presidential Working Group for Education Reform, grades on the KCSE would henceforth be based on two mandatory subjects: mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language). This is in addition to the five topics that have shown the highest level of performance in the past.
Math, English, and Kiswahili, together with two scientific classes and one humanities class, used to be among the required courses. Today, only one of these topics is required.
However, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has contested these adjustments, calling them a hurried reaction that will confuse candidates rather than aid them in any way. According to Kuppet, these changes might persuade students to pick subjects that are less challenging, which would put STEM-related fields of study and classes at risk.
In an interview with the Standard, the Secretary-General of KUPPET, Akello Misori, indicated that the approach that the government appeared to be following seemed to be targeted at reducing the number of students who pursued scientific fields of study. Because of this, there is a possibility that there will be less of a demand for educational institutions and laboratories. He made the following statement: “Encouraging students to take the academic path that is easier may gradually diminish technical subjects, negatively impacting scientific subjects as students opt for easier alternatives.”
