Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

There are two critical filtering points in the highly selective Kenya's educational system: Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) and East African Certificate of Education (EACE). The performance of a pupil in EACE is critical in determining whether or not he gains access to one of the scarce wage paying opportunities. Because the rewards offered by society relate so closely to the individual's performance in this examination, it becomes very important to see whether the examination is allocating these chances efficiently and equitably. The purpose of this research proposal is to investigate the selection efficiency of East African Certificate of Education. Achievement in Higher School Certificate examination will be used as a criterion against which to measure its efficiency as a selection device.