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KCSE examiners protest over poor working conditions

Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 00:00 | By
Education CS George Magoha witnesses the start of CRE exam at Kiambu Township Secondary School last month. Photo/PD/FILE

There was disquiet at Moi Girls Nairobi yesterday as examiners marking the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination English Paper 3 protested neglect and poor working conditions.

One of the examiners, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said they are dismayed by the manner in which the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has been handling issues.

“This afternoon, the examiners have downed their tools because of the working conditions and the way KNEC is addressing upkeep and welfare issues altogether,” they protested.

The examiners also said they are a dejected lot because some of their allowances were deducted without consultations, even as they accused KNEC of disregarding risks teachers have taken to mark KCSE scripts in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

“The risks that teachers have taken to come and ensure that this national exercise is a success is being taken for granted…somebody needs to listen to us,” they complained.

They also decried the fact that examiners had to miss their lunch yesterday yet they are not allowed to buy any foodstuff outside the marking centre owing to security issues.

Risky affair

The examiners added that English Paper 3 is so tasking to mark and the Government should be fair to teachers and consider the risks teachers have endured not only at Moi Girls but also in all marking centres.

“They are talking about Covid-19 protocols outside the compound, why are they not addressing the same in the sleeping area because teachers are congested… so why should we pretend that we are caring about examiners outside when nothing is being done while they are inside the school? posed the agitated examiners.

Complaints are emerging as marking of KCSE papers comes to a near end.

Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof Magoha said last month that results will be released by May 10.

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