Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has raised concerns over the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) withholding the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results for Lugulu Girls’ High School in Bungoma County.
The results, along with those of four other schools, were withheld during the announcement by Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba on Thursday, January 9, 2024.
Barasa Speaks on Lugulu Girls’ Results
In a video shared on his official X account on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Barasa revealed he had engaged CS Ogamba regarding the issue.
The MP explained that the Education CS assured him the results had not been rejected but were undergoing verification. He likened the process to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in football, used to review contentious decisions.
Barasa noted that the Lugulu Girls’ candidates performed exceptionally well, surprising both the examination council and the teachers marking the papers, prompting further verification of the results.
Barasa’s Assurance to Bungoma Residents
Barasa, who is eyeing the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in 2027, assured residents that the results would be released soon, allowing the school and community to celebrate.
“Hii maneno ya Lugulu Girls’, wanafunzi wa Lugulu Girls’ High School, it is for the first time in the history of that school ndio matokeo ya wanafunzi imekuwa withheld. Mimi nimeongea na waziri ambaye anahusika na mambo ya elimu na amenihakikishia kwamba hayo matokeo haijakuwa rejected, imekuwa withheld.
“There is a difference between withholding and rejecting the results. Vile walifanya mtihani ni kama hao watoto walipita sana mpaka wale walikuwa wanasahihisha wakasema wafanyiwe verification.
“Kwa hivyo ile matokeo ya Lugulu watoto walipita sana mpaka wale walimu wakashikwa na wasiwasi wakaenda kuangalia kwa kompyuta in a process that is akin to VAR in football. But I want to assure the people of Bungoma that the results of Lugulu Girls’ can only delay for a few days or weeks, but eventually they will have their results,” Barasa said.
Withheld KCSE Results
While announcing the 2024 KCSE results at Mtihani House, CS Ogamba revealed that 962,512 candidates sat for the exams, but the results of 2,899 students were withheld due to suspected malpractice.
Additionally, KNEC nullified the results of 840 candidates after confirming cases of cheating.
Investigations into the withheld results are ongoing and are expected to conclude within 30 days.
