Unveiling the Truth: Education Ministry’s Defense Amidst KCPE Tenders Controversy

In Summary:
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu refutes claims of corruption in the awarding of tenders for the 2023 national exams, asserting that the process was transparent. Opposition leader Raila Odinga calls for a task force to investigate, while the Education Committee scrutinizes reported irregularities.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu staunchly denies allegations of impropriety surrounding the termination of a UK firm’s contract for printing exam materials in favor of a local company. Machogu emphasizes the ministry’s annual rotation of printing tenders and assures that due procedures were followed.

Azimio-One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga voices concern, prompting calls for a multi-agency task force to investigate corruption claims. The Education Committee, addressing numerous complaints about irregularities in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), summons Machogu to clarify the situation.

During a committee session, questions arise about the integrity of the examination process. KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere acknowledges receiving 1043 complaints, resolving over 700 so far. MPs express concerns about erroneous SMS charges for results and demand a free platform for result dissemination.

Amidst scrutiny, Machogu defends the exam results, attributing anomalies to the SMS platform while asserting the integrity of the overall grading system. The committee explores expanding the audit scope, including unregistered candidates and performance history.

Looking ahead, the ministry plans a meeting with the ICT counterpart to investigate discrepancies in SMS result uploads and discuss a potential partnership for a ministry-run results transmission system.

FAQs:

1. Why was the UK company’s contract terminated?

• Machogu asserts that contracts are rotated annually, emphasizing the ministry’s competence in handling printing in-house.

2. What prompted Raila Odinga to call for a task force?

• Odinga is concerned about the alleged irregularities in awarding tenders and urges a thorough investigation by a multi-agency task force.

3. How many complaints has KNEC received, and how many have been resolved?

• KNEC CEO Dr. Njengere acknowledges 1043 complaints, with over 700 already resolved.

4. Are there anomalies in the exam results?

• Machogu insists that anomalies were limited to the SMS platform, with the overall results maintaining integrity.

5. What steps are being taken to address SMS charges for result dissemination?

• The committee discusses the need for a free platform, prompting a plan for a meeting with the ICT counterpart to explore solutions.