Date of Award
Spring 5-17-2025
Document Type
Honors Project
University Scholars Director
Dr. Joshua Tom
First Advisor/Committee Member
Dr. Rebecca Hughes
Keywords
Kenya, secondary education, KCSE, educational inefficiencies, curriculum development, student outcomes
Abstract
In Kenya, secondary education plays a decisive role in shaping students’ university and career opportunities as well as their social mobility. The national exam, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), acts as a key gateway to higher education and employment. The quality and accessibility of education for Kenyan youth, however, has been impacted by systemic inefficiencies ranging from underfunding and disparities in resource allocation to an exam-centric curriculum. This study takes a qualitative approach, using both purposive and convenience sampling to gather data through a questionnaire sent to university students and adults that have graduated from a Kenyan secondary school. Participants reflected on teacher support and quality of instruction, classroom environments, exam preparedness, and the long-term impact of KCSE scores. Findings reveal widespread resource shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and negative psychosocial and physical learning environments. The KCSE exam system prioritizes rote learning over critical thinking and skills development, reinforcing socio-economic inequalities through school-based disparities. Without active reform, Kenya risks producing unprepared graduates, hindering economic development and individual intellectual advancement. The study emphasizes the need for systemic changes to create an education system that is more equitable, holistic, and effective.
Recommended Citation
Pederson, Olivia M., "Beyond the Exam Score: An Examination of the Kenyan Education System, Its Reforms, Inefficiencies, and Impact on Individuals and Society at Large" (2025). Honors Projects. 238.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/honorsprojects/238
Copyright Status
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Additional Rights Information
Copyright held by author.
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Sociology Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons, Secondary Education Commons
