The Standard | Candidates register improvement in 2011 KCPE

By Judith Nguta

The 2011 KCPE results have registered a notable improvement where over 5,800 candidates scored 400 marks and above out of 500marks compared to previous years. The examination conducted between November 8 and November 10 2011 was undertaken by 775,829 candidates in 22,154 centres countrywide.

The top candidate Nationally, Kagiri Christine Muthoni scored 442 which is a tie with Irungu Waiharu followed by Karanja Hebert Christine with a score of 441 marks.

Education minister Professor Sam Ongeri (left) and the permanent Secretary James ole Kiyiapi (in green tie), during the announcement of the 2011 KCPE results. Photo:Stafford Ondego/Standard

The top five counties in performance were Kirinyaga, Nandi, Makueni, Uasin Gishu and Busia. There are 47 counties in the country.

Candidates and parents can access the results from the Kenya National Examinations Council websitededicated specifically for the results- www.knec-results.ac.ke/ or through mobile phone by typing the candidate’s index number and sending the message to 5052.

Speaking during the results announcement ceremony held at Mitihani House, Education Minister Sam Ongeri noted that students should not be made to repeat classes as this has a negative impact on performance. He highlighted schools in Kwale, Kilifi and Tana River as topping in the list of overage students who sit the KCPE examinations.

"The older the student the lower the performance," he added

He urged teachers, parents and other stakeholders to be in the frontline to reverse the trend.

On gender parity, Ongeri said that only 14 counties had a favourable equation with four counties; Nyandarua, Embu, Nairobi and Vihiga having a greater percentage of girls to boys.

The minister commended the notable increase of candidates with special needs, urging parents not to hide such children in homes.

Exam irregularities were registered in 335 of the 22,154 centres and in one of the centres, a new form of cheating where answers were written on bathroom slippers was found out. Other forms of cheating included mobile phones and notes.