I USED TO BE a big supporter of Dr. Matiangi, despite the theatrics he employs to pass the message and get the work done. I support the clean-up message in totality, and join the millions of Kenyans jubilation of an apparent new dispensation in the education sector.
I hold the opinion that the office of CS of education(regardless of the holder) has always wielded such power as to cut deep through the soft flesh that is the education sector, and influence both advertently and inadvertently desired outcomes. In this particular scenario the desired narrative of the current CS has been that there would be a honest process and that it would result to reduced high-grade performances.
This narrative, punctuated by the antics around the period of administration of the examinations may have led to the results that have since emerged, and for two possible reasons. One is that the channels for cheating were truly and effectively stiffled, and therefore shunning the prized fake top grades. Second is that the power and force of the narrative may have advised the orientation of the results. He who pays the piper calls the tune, the adage goes. Is there a remote possibility that candidates this year were subjected to an unusually high level of scrutiny, stricter means of evaluation and absence of the traditional levelling of grading that would reportedly allow low grades to be upgraded?
If the latter scenario has occurred, then Dr Matiangi may have inadvertently caused the poorer version of the results through his infamous reforms. It would mean the system cracked, in a country that has persistently remained unbowed under the pressure of impunity. That, in itself, is a story I want to write about some other day and time.
Today; I Cry, beloved country. The results trickling from Jogoo house give me no reason to smile. To me, it isn't a added feather to Dr. Matiangi's illustrious term in office, rather a huge blot that taints the entire system and Kenya as a whole. How can a country purporting to be an emerging economy pride itself with obtaining only 141 A’s from a pool of over half a million candidates? Shouldn't we rather be mourning the the inability of our system to produce better performers? I, a product of the same system, do not believe the A’s of the system are made in heaven, or that they are a preserve of the few. It would only be a preserve if indeed, Dr. Matiangi’s belief sentiments hold true (that previous results have been largely informed by massive and structured cheating), and that the education system in Kenya doesn't have what it takes to deliver more (adequate) top-grade graduates.
As we step into the new year, it will be important for the good doctor to contemplate what it takes to churn 100,000 A’s from the system, and swing the magic wand to action, otherwise Dr. Matiangi could be on a one-man crusade. It is not at all improbable that the current cheering squad will turn into a jeering squad if the fortunes don't change.
P.S. I had the privilege to share these thoughts with a few of my distinguished former classmates and friends, with whom I shared crucial times in being formed into a stand-up learned graduate that I believe I am. None of them were of contrary opinion, but knowing the persuasions of the season, I guess I may have been spared a thorough tongue lashing. I hope you'll have the patience to read it and share your thoughts in the new year.