NAIROBI, Kenya- The Education Ministry isn’t backing down after the High Court threw a wrench into its plans for mid-year Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has confirmed that the government will appeal the court’s decision, arguing that the exams provide a vital second chance for students.
The Ministry had introduced the mid-year KCSE exams to give students who previously didn’t perform well a shot at improving their grades.
CS Ogamba said the special series will reduce pressure on the November exams. the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/…
According to Ogamba, this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to equitable education.
“As a government, we are determined to ensure the mid-year exams are administered for the benefit of the students,” Ogamba stated. “At the moment, our lawyers need to examine the basis of the conservatory order and respond accordingly.”
However, this plan hit a legal roadblock when Dr. Magare Gikenyi, a Nakuru-based petitioner, filed a case challenging the exams.
His argument? The mid-year retakes allegedly compromise students’ rights, academic integrity, and fair participation.
The Kisii High Court, through Lady Justice Odera Achieng, agreed that the case held weight and issued an order temporarily halting the exams.
Despite Ogamba’s determination, the Ministry itself seems to be playing a game of mixed signals. Earlier in the day, Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang assured that the government would comply with the court ruling—at least for now.
He hinted that students initially set to take the exams in July might have to wait until the regular November KCSE exams if the legal battle drags on.
This legal standoff raises a bigger question: Was enough stakeholder engagement done before rolling out the new exam schedule?
The petitioner claims it wasn’t, while the Ministry insists consultations were conducted.
This back-and-forth only adds to the uncertainty for thousands of students waiting for clarity.
What’s Next for KCSE Candidates?
With the legal appeal now in motion, students are caught in limbo. The mid-year exams weren’t just for recent high school graduates—they were also meant to cater to adult learners and individuals who wanted to retake the test after years away from school.
