Knec has Withheld Results for all Candidates at a Private Girls’ Secondary School run by Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation
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The Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) has suspended the results of 92 candidates from Mama Malia Academy, a private girls' secondary school in Tseikuru, Kitui County, amid allegations of examination cheating.
This decision has plunged the institution, managed by the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation, into a state of uncertainty as an investigation unfolds. Principal Naomi Ndambuki has expressed her astonishment at receiving a letter from Knec that did not provide specific details but reassured her that further findings would be shared in due course.
The situation has understandably caused distress for the affected candidates, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are beneficiaries of support from the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation. Mama Malia Academy, founded by Pauline Musyoka, the wife of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, began as a rescue centre for underprivileged girls.
Named in honour of the late Malia Musyoka, the school has garnered national recognition for its improvements in academic performance since its establishment. Noteworthy is the achievement of Esther Mwikali, who, despite being admitted with a Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) score of 199, secured a B plain in the 2023 Form Four examinations.
Additionally, the academy was recognized as the most improved school in the Eastern region in the 2021 and 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. In a related development, Matinyani Boys Secondary School has faced similar scrutiny, with the cancellation of results for several candidates this year due to irregularities flagged by Knec.
County Director of Education Khalif Hassan confirmed that certain students were implicated in cheating allegations. Although Principal Nelson Mureithi has refrained from commenting on the situation, an anonymous teacher has disclosed that 12 candidates received "Y" results, indicating cancellation. While the school successfully released results for 316 candidates, averaging a mean grade of 6.582, questions arise regarding the fates of the remaining 12 from an enrollment of 328 Form Four students.
This incident represents the second consecutive year of examination result cancellations for Matinyani Boys Secondary School, raising concerns about the integrity of its academic records. Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze has called for Knec to conduct a thorough investigation, emphasizing the critical need to uphold academic integrity.
“As a former teacher and high school principal, I firmly believe that exam cheating should never be tolerated. The credibility of schools is at stake, and the futures of students could be jeopardized,” stated Nyenze.
Matiang'i, where are you when needed most? You wanted to restore the old school exam integrity, but the evil waves of corruption appear to have thwarted your esteemed efforts. Come back to the system with a bang, please!!!