The Ministry of Education is in the process of bringing about a significant transformation in Kenya’s education system. This transformation is aimed at separating grading from placement and moving away from the traditional 8-4-4 structure, which had its shortcomings in assessing students’ true competencies and skills. The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) has recommended this change to better align the education system with the evolving needs of the 21st century.

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, in a recent address to the National Assembly Committee on Education in Mombasa, highlighted the importance of distinguishing between grading and placement. He emphasized that the current system mixed the two aspects, often leading to confusion and, at times, compromising the quality of education. President Ruto’s administration recognizes the need to rectify this by introducing a more effective and student-centric approach.

The proposed changes in grading are closely aligned with President Ruto’s education manifesto and promises. One of the central tenets of his manifesto was to empower education and provide students with the best possible opportunities to succeed. This includes not only improving the quality of education but also ensuring that the assessment process accurately reflects students’ abilities and potential.

Under the new grading system, the Ministry of Education is focusing on two critical areas: numeracy and literacy. These core skills are essential for students’ overall development and future success. President Ruto’s administration is committed to nurturing a generation of students who excel in these fundamental areas, which are vital for their personal growth and contribution to the nation.

Furthermore, the Ministry aims to allow students to choose their best subjects and areas of interest for grading. This approach ensures that students are not unfairly disadvantaged by subjects they may not excel in but are compelled to include in their grading.

President Ruto’s administration is keen on enabling students to pursue their desired career paths without unnecessary obstacles. For instance, in the medical field, the previous system sometimes hindered students from pursuing their dreams because they had to include subjects they were not passionate about in their grading. The new system will liberate students, allowing them to excel in the areas that matter most to them.

To ensure the success of these reforms, the Ministry is conducting simulations using previous years’ exams to assess the impact of the proposed grading structure. This evidence-based approach ensures that the changes are well-founded and will genuinely benefit students.