Own up to KCPE errors and fix them, Sapit tells Knec

Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit addressing the press after presiding over the retirement of Nakuru ACK Bishop Joseph Muchai in Nakuru on November 26, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The Anglican Church wants the Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) to own up to the errors in the just released Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination results and urgently rectify the same.

Speaking in Nakuru after the retirement service of Rt Rev Joseph Muchai at the Nakuru Sports Club grounds, Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit said it was clear to all that there were errors in the results released by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu last week.

The bishop noted that candidates who sat for the national examination pointed out errors in results with marks allocated for subjects they never took.

"We are not sure if it is possible for all the pupils in a school to score the same marks and that is why Kenyans and schools feel the marking was hurried and had errors," he said.

Sapit said the complaints may put to question the integrity of the KCPE results.

Rev Muchai retired after serving as bishop for ACK Nakuru for 11 years. The service was attended by Water Cabinet Secretary Zacharia Njeru, Gilgil MP Martha Wangare and Nakuru Trade CEC Stephen Kuria.

Sapit said Knec needs to own up to the errors and rectify them as quickly as possible as students prepare to join secondary school.

He emphasized that since Knec has the responsibility to decide the academic progression of over 1.4 million pupils in Kenya, there is no room for errors.

"Knec must release a report that will be good and transparent, that will depict Knec as an institution that stands for truth and justice for all pupils," said Sapit.

The Archbishop warned that failure to rectify the errors, the trust Kenyans have had in Knec for the 39 years it has administered KCPE will be broken.

He explained that KCPE is the first step in the progression of students to High School and their future career and if their roots are ruined by errors, their life may be destroyed in the long run.

Sapit called on Knec to ensure only qualified personnel mark national examinations to avoid errors.

"If there was anything bad, Knec should take responsibility, come out clean and not hide anything, because that will be the beginning of issues," said Sapit.

At the same time the Archbishop said the ACK was in support of the national dialogue to end political acrimony. He said the dialogue needs to continue to offer solutions to emerging issues.

Sapit urged the government to cut costs, especially unnecessary travels outside the country.

He criticized the recent travels by President William Ruto and said unless necessary, traveling should be avoided.

"Traveling has to be managed. Unnecessary accompaniment by government officials who have no business in the travel should be cut and only those needed should travel," he said.

Sapit said the money wasted on travels should be diverted to other uses, including stabilizing the harsh economy.

The Archbishop called on Kenyans to be mindful during the El Nino rains which have claimed lives and damaged property.

He advised drivers to be careful as we enter the festive season and pedestrians to be wary of the dangers of the heavy rains.

"All Kenyans have the responsibility to make Kenya better and do not need to depend on the government alone to resolve all the matters," said Sapit.

Sapit urged religious leaders to be role models and take responsibility to help Kenyans be good citizens and Christians.