As can be seen in Table 2, performance in the 2023 examination is significantly better than that of 2022. The failure rate has also dropped by 0.5 per cent. This means that 329,939 (95.9%) of the learners who presented themselves for the 2023 examination can progress to the post-UCE level.
There is a significant improvement in English Language, Religious Education, Mathematics and Biology. Noticeable drops were recorded in History, Agriculture and Physics. Performance in the other subjects has remained comparable. In the English language, the presentation of crammed passages from texts in response to the question on original composition writing has greatly reduced, which may explain the significant improvement in the candidate.
Performance in the sciences continues to be a cause for concern, with less than 20 per cent of the candidates obtaining Credit pass levels in Physics and Chemistry, and 40 per cent or more unable to pass. It is worth noting, however, the upturn in performance in Biology, which has been recording a steady decline.
Examiners have attributed the low achievement levels in science subjects to several factors, the main among which are inadequate teaching, manifesting in the inability of the learners to master the basic scientific concepts; lack of practical teaching, manifesting in the learners’ inability to manipulate science apparatus and carry out the procedures prescribed in the examination papers and interpret any readings or observations that could have been made. Some schools have been reported to have no science teachers, which exacerbates the problem. Most of the examination malpractice cases at this level are in practical papers.
EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE “Cases of examination malpractice have continued to reduce. Most of the ones reported in this examination were external assistance given in the examination rooms and affecting mostly Physics and Chemistry practical examinations, and Mathematics. Affected schools whose results are withheld will be notified through their Portals. They will also be notified of the dates of the hearings.
We take this opportunity to inform all concerned parties that the hearings of cases of suspected malpractice in the 2023 examinations will commence on 19th February 2024 starting with PLE cases. Invitations are being extended to the affected candidates/schools through the District Education offices”. Professor Celestino Obua UNEB CHAIRPERSON.
This is the last examination administered under the old curriculum. From the 2024 October/November examination, the UCE will be administered by the New Lower Secondary Curriculum. In the past, candidates who would not have made it in an examination such as this one would repeat the examination in the following examination season. This will not be possible this time; as the examination format and other conditions will be drastically different.
