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Outlaw National examinations in primary and secondary schools

The proposed legislative Bill by Karachuonyo Member of Parliament James Rege to have national examinations for primary and secondary schools scrapped off is long overdue.

Once students are through with national exams, they vow never to look back at their books. Some set their books on fire in what they call ‘academic fire’ after sitting for their final exams in secondary school. This is a clear signal that they do not value what they learn in school. It demonstrates that they are compelled to study to pass exams.

Completing the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Examinations to many is usually a sign of freedom, freedom from intense studying.
This is a clear indication that students only read to pass exams and not to gain anything to help them contribute positively towards entrepreneurial innovations that offer self-employment and solutions to problems facing the society such as the pricking unemployment rate in the country.

The 8-4-4 education system can well be crafted to equip learners with entrepreneurial lessons and assessments based on projects and not sitting examinations.
It is quite unfair to determine the fate of students after 4 years of studying in two weeks by giving them grades based on what they score in exams. Examinations do not necessarily promote learning, instead it encourages cramming of notes for the sake of passing exams. Failing exams do not mean that a student is bound to be a failure in life. People are differently abled in the society. Some are gifted, excel and earn a living by engaging in sports, music and the film industry- just to mention a few.
There is need to re-design the syllabus to exploit the potential that underlies in students.
We have on many occasions been treated to stories about successful entrepreneurs who failed in their national exams but have excelled in fields such as entrepreneurship, sports and art.
It is therefore a wake-up call for the stakeholders in the education sector to re-look at the syllabus provided to students to develop a holistic individual who can greatly contribute towards economic development through innovations and business.

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