President William Ruto has called on students who recently sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams to take full advantage of the newly launched mid-year examinations to improve their grades and secure entry into higher education institutions.
During a ceremony to hand over Lenana School Primary in Dagoretti South, President Ruto underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring every student has an opportunity to succeed, regardless of past academic performance or challenges.
“For students who missed the KCSE exams, this initiative ensures no child is lost to wayward paths,” the President stated.
He added, “Even those who attempted the exams but didn’t achieve the desired results now have a chance to improve their scores.”
The Ministry of Education recently announced that the mid-year KCSE exams will be held annually in July, providing students with an alternative to the traditional end-of-year assessments.
### Swift Integration into Higher Education
The government has pledged to expedite the grading process for mid-year exams, enabling successful candidates to enroll in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions alongside their peers by September.
“We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all students,” President Ruto affirmed. “It is unjust to define a child’s future by the outcome of one or two failed subjects. This second chance is vital for their growth and aspirations.”
The mid-year exams will run for three years as a pilot project. Candidates dissatisfied with their initial KCSE results or those who missed the exams will be eligible to participate. The government plans to evaluate the program’s effectiveness after this period.
### Progressive Shift in Education
Traditionally, KCSE exams have only been conducted at the end of the academic year. The introduction of mid-year assessments marks a transformative step in Kenya’s education system, promoting flexibility and equity for students.
This policy aligns with efforts to expand access to education and create a fairer, more inclusive system that accommodates diverse student needs.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
