An investigation into the factors contributing to examination irregularities in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in Nairobi province

Abstract

Examination irregularities at the global, regional and local levels have emerged as a major concern for the educationists and society at large. Several strategies to tackle these problems have been considered including the use of the law to discourage malpractices in examinations. The underlying objective of this study was to investigate factors contributing to examination irregularities in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E) m Nairobi Province. The study attempted to investigate the extent to which malpractices in KCSE examination has been attributed to teachers, school administrators, students, parents, supervisors and invigilators. It looked at the attitude of both teachers and students towards education and malpractices in examinations. The sample of the study was composed of form three students in questionnaires, interview schedule and observation guide. Using simple descriptive statistics data were analysed and results presented in tables of frequency distribution. The study revealed that examinations were an important aspect of education; that teachers and students in secondary schools have positive attitudes towards education and examination; that all teachers needed training III ethics and integrity and that malpractices in examination should be dealt with decisively. The findings were examined and then implications discussed. General recommendations made on dealing with examination irregularities were: Teachers should be remunerated well for services offered during invigilation and supervisron; the key people during examination period should be properly trained; students should be adequately prepared in advance for the examination with issues like syllabus coverage checked into; enough revrsion and psychological preparation for examination to ensure a cheating free examination environment. In conclusion, suggestions. for future research have also been made. The role of the Kenya National Examinations Council in reducing cheating could be looked at. The study could also be repeated in a rural setting. Lastly, the way examinations are administered in the field is another area that could be studied.