Mass DPTE Resits at TTCs Spark Calls for KNEC Remarking

Mass Referrals Rock TTCs as DPTE Candidates Plan to Challenge KNEC Results

The release of the 2023 examination results by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has sparked widespread concern among teacher trainees, with Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) candidates vowing to apply for remarking following a high number of referrals reported at several Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs).

The results, released on October 14, covered candidates pursuing the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE), Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE), Teacher Certificate in Adult Education (TCAE), and Special Needs Education (SNE) Levels 1 and 2.

For thousands of candidates who had spent three years in training, the release was expected to mark an important step towards graduation and entry into the teaching profession.

However, the results reportedly left many trainees disappointed, particularly those who received referrals in one or more examination units.

Some candidates have questioned the outcomes, arguing that their results did not reflect their performance during training.

They are now planning to submit formal requests to KNEC for remarking, hoping that a review could change the results and allow them to complete their training.

The concerns come as teacher trainees seek clarity over their academic and professional future, with candidates who have not completed all the required units facing delays in graduation and possible entry into the teaching profession.

DPTE Candidates Plan Mass Remarking Applications

The dissatisfaction among some DPTE candidates has grown following reports of high referral numbers at several colleges.

The trainees want KNEC to review their results and establish whether the marks awarded accurately reflect their performance.

Some candidates have raised concerns about the digital assessment system used during the examinations, claiming that technical challenges may have affected their performance.

Reported complaints include system freezes, network disconnections and timing problems during e-assessments.

However, these concerns remain allegations by candidates and would require an official investigation to establish whether technical failures affected the results.

Other trainees have questioned why some colleges recorded substantially higher referral numbers than others.

They argue that such differences deserve closer examination, particularly where candidates believe their internal assessments and teaching practice performance were stronger than their final examination outcomes suggest.

A student representative quoted in the original report said candidates were determined to seek a review rather than accept results they considered unfair.

The candidates are therefore preparing to pursue the formal remarking process through the appropriate institutional channels, subject to KNEC’s official procedures, applicable fees and deadlines.

TTCs Record High Numbers of Referred Candidates

Figures contained in the report show that several teacher training colleges recorded hundreds of referred candidates in the 2023 examinations.

Mosoriot TTC reportedly recorded the highest number of referrals among the listed institutions, with 927 candidates referred out of 944 registered candidates. Only 17 candidates were listed as having completed the requirements for graduation.

St. Mark’s Kigari TTC in Embu recorded 541 referrals out of 860 candidates, while Kaimosi TTC had 442 referrals among 665 candidates.

Asumbi TTC recorded 422 referrals out of 750 candidates, while Thogoto TTC had 367 referrals from a total of 755 candidates.

Other institutions also reported substantial numbers of candidates who had not cleared all their examination requirements.

Reported DPTE Examination Results at Selected TTCs

Teacher Training College	Total candidates	Graduating/cleared	Referred
Mosoriot TTC	944	17	927
St. Mark’s Kigari TTC	860	319	541
Kaimosi TTC	665	223	442
Asumbi TTC	750	314	422
Thogoto TTC	755	346	367
Borabu TTC	627	225	341
Kericho TTC	716	408	300
Kitui TTC	851	579	263
Eregi TTC	844	568	256
Kericho West TTC	724	476	225
Murang’a TTC	434	209	210

Mateco TTC reportedly recorded 354 referrals, although the total number of candidates was not confirmed in the report.

Other institutions mentioned included Meru TTC, with 159 referrals; Ugenya TTC and Migori TTC, each with 147; and Kenyenya TTC, with 230 referrals. Egoji TTC reportedly recorded 116 referrals alongside 89 result cancellations.

The figures have fuelled calls from affected candidates for greater clarity on the assessment process and the reasons behind the outcomes.

Some Colleges Report Strong Results

While several colleges reportedly recorded high referral numbers, other institutions posted comparatively strong results.

Mandera TTC reportedly had 610 candidates awarded Distinction and 14 awarded Credit out of 639 candidates. Bishop Mahon TTC was reported to have recorded no referrals.

At Moi TTC Baringo, 252 candidates reportedly earned Distinction and 247 earned Credit, while 14 candidates were referred out of a total of 513.

Egoji TTC reportedly cleared 651 candidates out of 856, while Bunyore TTC had 588 candidates clear out of 656.

These differences have prompted some trainees to question whether variations in examination performance, institutional preparedness, assessment conditions or other factors could explain the outcomes.

Nevertheless, differences between colleges alone do not establish that marking was inconsistent or that the results were inaccurate. A comprehensive assessment would require verified examination data and an official explanation from KNEC.

Why Candidates Want Their Results Reviewed

Several issues are driving the calls for remarking.

1. Concerns About Digital Assessments

Some candidates have alleged that technical challenges during digital examinations affected their ability to complete or submit answers.

They want KNEC to establish whether reported system interruptions or other technical problems affected any candidates’ submissions.

A review of examination records and system logs would be necessary to determine whether such problems occurred and whether they influenced the final marks.

2. High Referral Numbers

The reported number of referrals at some TTCs has raised concern among trainees who expected to graduate after completing their training.

Candidates who receive referrals must establish the applicable requirements for clearing the affected units. Those who believe their results contain errors may also wish to explore the official remarking process.

3. Questions About Differences Between Colleges

Candidates have pointed to differences in results between institutions as a reason for seeking greater transparency.

However, differences in pass rates can arise from several factors, including candidate performance, preparation and examination conditions. Verified evidence would be needed to determine whether any marking or technical problems occurred.

4. The Financial and Career Impact

Teacher trainees invest time and money in their education, and an outstanding examination unit can delay graduation.

For candidates hoping to join the teaching profession, such delays can also affect when they become eligible to apply for employment.

This has increased the urgency among some trainees who want their results reviewed before making decisions about resits and future recruitment opportunities.

What a Referral Means for DPTE Candidates

A referral generally means that a candidate has not met the required standard in one or more examination units and must follow the applicable procedures to complete those requirements.

It is different from a result cancellation, which may arise from examination irregularities or other grounds, and from a Course Requirement Not Met (CRNM) status, whose implications depend on the applicable examination and training regulations.

Candidates should therefore confirm their exact status with their colleges before deciding on the next step.

Those who have been referred should establish which units require further assessment, the relevant registration deadlines and whether they are eligible to apply for remarking.

A successful remarking application could lead to a change in a candidate’s result if an error is identified. However, remarking does not guarantee that marks will increase or that a referral will be converted into a pass.

How Candidates Can Pursue KNEC Remarking

Candidates who believe their results are inaccurate should first contact their college administration for guidance on the official process.

They should confirm the applicable deadline, required documentation, fees and the channel through which applications must be submitted.

Candidates should also retain copies of their result slips and any relevant examination information. Those who experienced technical problems during an assessment should provide specific details of the incident, where available.

It is important for trainees to rely on official KNEC instructions rather than unverified claims circulating on social media.

KNEC’s formal response to the reported concerns would help clarify the available options for affected candidates and whether any broader review is necessary.

Implications for TSC Recruitment

The examination outcomes have implications for candidates seeking employment as teachers.

Candidates who have completed the required training and obtained the necessary qualifications can pursue recruitment opportunities when eligible and when vacancies are advertised by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Those with outstanding examination requirements may face delays because they must first satisfy the applicable qualification requirements.

The original report linked the results to an anticipated November recruitment exercise. However, candidates should confirm current recruitment dates and eligibility requirements through official TSC announcements rather than assume that a remarking application will automatically make them eligible.

For trainees whose results are eventually amended, the timing of the review could be important. Even so, the effect on recruitment would depend on the final results, the applicable qualification requirements and the recruitment timetable.

Questions Awaiting Clarification

The reported concerns raise several questions that candidates would like KNEC and the relevant education authorities to address.

These include whether technical problems affected any digital examination submissions, how candidates can request remarking, what deadlines apply and whether the council has identified any errors requiring corrective action.

There is also a need for clarity on the meaning of the different result categories and the procedures candidates must follow to clear outstanding requirements.

An official explanation would help trainees distinguish between results that require resits and those that may warrant a formal review.

Conclusion

The reported high referral numbers in the 2023 DPTE examinations have left some teacher trainees questioning their results and considering formal remarking applications.

Colleges including Mosoriot, Kigari, Kaimosi and Asumbi feature prominently in the figures provided in the report, with hundreds of candidates reportedly referred at each institution.

For affected trainees, the immediate priority is to understand their results, establish the available options and follow the official procedures for remarking or resitting outstanding units.

Whether the concerns will lead to changes in individual results remains to be seen. An official clarification from KNEC would help address candidates’ questions and provide a clearer path forward for those seeking to complete their teacher training.