National Assembly Minority Leader James Opiyo Wandayi has expressed concern over the delay in releasing the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) results for the year 2023.
In a statement on Saturday, January 6, Wandayi noted the far-reaching consequences of this delay, particularly with the opening of schools set for January 8, 2024.
The legislator raised concerns that the prolonged delay hinders the smooth transition to Grade 7.
"The 2023 KPSEA results have not been released, inhibiting the transition to Grade 7, which is to open school on 8/01/2024.
The lawmaker said the delayed release of the KPSEA results has created uncertainty for both students and parents, as they remain in the dark about their children's academic progress and placement.
The Minority Leader emphasized the impact of these delays on the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which has been a significant reform in Kenya's education system.
"Parents don't know what to do, and so are the school administrators, making the CBC implementation a joke. At the very least, the government should have given guidelines on when these learners should report to schools," he stated.
Wandayi also pointed out the challenges arising from the delayed disbursement of funds to schools.
"Meanwhile, no capitation has reached any school, and NG-CDF bursaries are in limbo," Wandayi expressed.
KPSEA results
During the release of KCPE, David Njengere, the CEO of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), explained that the marking of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) had taken precedence over the grade six Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
He said that the decision was made to provide ample time for the 1.4 million students who took the KCPE to prepare for their transition to high school.
Njengere reassured parents that the KPSEA results were in the final stages of preparation.
During the release of the KCPE exams on November 23, he outlined the three levels of reporting, including individual learner reports, school-specific reports, and a national report.
He emphasized the commitment of KNEC to ensure that the KPSEA reports are ready before the learners begin junior secondary school in January 2024.
The KPSEA assessments covered five subjects: Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Integrated Science, Social Studies, and Creative Arts.
Delayed NG-CDF bursaries
Wandayi's concerns come just days after Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino took a swipe at President William Ruto faulting him for delayed CDF funds.
Babu Owino talked tough on Ruto's administration accusing him of undermining the education system.
"Ruto has defiled our education system and must be stopped. 2024 is a year to put this defunct government to task to deliver to Kenyans and lower the cost of living," Babu said.
"Education is the backbone of the economy; you cannot even run a country without education," he noted.
Treasury CS Njuguna on delayed CDF funds
On December 6, 2023, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u appeared before the Finance Parliamentary Committee to address the delay in releasing funds for the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Ndung'u cited a shortage of funds in the public coffers and challenges in revenue collection, leading to difficulties in meeting financial obligations, including salary payments.
"NG-CDF will be released as soon as the government has enough funds, at the moment we are not getting taxes as required and the government is having challenges paying salaries, so please bear with us, we are working around the clock to make things work," Ndung'u said.
He assured lawmakers that the government is committed to resolving the standoff once sufficient funds are available.
Ndung'u attributed the economic challenges to global factors, such as the economic downturn and inflation, resulting in increased national debt.
To address a deficit of Ksh90 billion, the CS proposed reducing government expenditure or seeking external resources, with the president actively engaging international partners for support.
