The marking of KCSE exams at St. Francis Girls High School in Mang’u has been halted after teachers began a strike over unpaid wages and poor working conditions.
The examiners who are marking CRE papers claim that the center’s chief examiner has implemented punitive policies that have significantly slowed the examination marking process.
They also claim to be paid significantly less for each CRE script marked than their colleagues who mark Kiswahili papers.
According to the examiners, they are paid Ksh.55 for each CRE paper marked, while their colleagues are paid Ksh.78 for each Kiswahili paper marked.
The St. Francis examiners, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also claimed that they were overworked because their day began at 5 a.m. and ended at 10 p.m.
They also stated that they are not permitted to bring electronics such as phones or laptops into the marking centre, making it impossible for them to communicate during the day.
The stalemate began on Monday evening, prompting Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) CEO David Njegere to travel to the St. Francis Centre in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, but his efforts were futile.
The examiners have vowed to continue the go-slow until their complaints are addressed, potentially delaying the release of KCSE results.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu and basic education PS Belio Kipsang arrived at the school to calm the situation but his attempt failed as he was shouted down.Â
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia, who arrived at the marking centre as well, was escorted out by angry teachers.
Before they resume marking, teachers are demanding better working conditions.
They had previously demanded that the current Chief Examiner be removed, a demand that was met after Macharia appointed an acting replacement while talks continued.
