What next after scoring E? Low grades are not a 'death sentence'

The number of candidates who scored grade E in the 2021 exam doubled to 46,151. [iStock]

Imagine if you, your child or a close relative scored an E in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination. How would you feel?

In Kenya, grade E is considered a death sentence in one's academic and career life. Most view candidates who score E as total academic failures. In most circumstances, scoring an E attracts scorn from teachers, classmates, friends and even family.

The option for many E students in Kenya has been to venture into small start-ups. Similarly, they are advised by family and close friends to take up technical courses like masonry, agriculture-related courses, tailoring and beauty among other blue-collar jobs.