Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Control Measures Addressing Malpractices on Attainment of Sustainable Credible Examinations in Secondary Schools in Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

Examination is one of the major established yardsticks of measuring academic achievement and certification and hence it should reflect the true picture of the abilities of the examinees. In an effort to guard examinations against malpractices, examination bodies across the world have instituted a variety of control measures. However, despite the measures taken, there are still many cases of malpractices in examinations. The main purpose of this study was to explore stakeholders’ perceptions of control measures addressing examination malpractices and determine their role on attainment of sustainable credible examinations in Makueni County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to; find out stakeholders’ perceptions of how examination officials carry out their roles on attainment of sustainable credible K.C.S.E examinations, establish stakeholders’ perceptions of security measures taken to protect examination content and materials on attainment of sustainable credible K.C.S.E examinations and find out stakeholders’ perceptions of how monitoring is carried out on attainment of sustainable credible K.C.S.E examinations. Using the systems theory, the study employed a descriptive survey design. The study targeted 3139 respondents including 2492 candidates of year 2017 K.C.S.E, 603 teachers and 44 principals from 44 secondary schools. The study sampled 318 respondents including 9 principals, 60 teachers and 249 students. The study used questionnaires and interview schedules to collect data. Quantitative analysis was done using descriptive statistics - frequencies and percentages. The results were presented using tables, pie charts and graphs. Qualitative data were analyzed according to themes derived from the research objectives and results presented in narration form. The study findings revealed that to a great extent, majority of the examination officials carried out their roles as expected. However, some of the officials compromised examination integrity through early exposure of examination content to candidates. The study also revealed that examination materials and content leaked or got to unauthorized persons to a less extent especially during actual examination sitting. Finally, the study found out that monitoring often took place during administration of K.C.S.E examinations. However, monitoring was to a less extent satisfactory in ensuring credible K.C.S.E examinations. The study concludes that KNEC has greatly succeeded in addressing the issue of examination malpractice in K.C.S.E though; more effort is required to safeguard the gains already made in addressing examination malpractices and also ensure zero cases of examination malpractices. The study recommends that the government should ensure institutionalization of multi-sectoral approach in examination management. The government should also encourage the use of technology in examination administration to reduce cases of examination cheating.