The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examiners have been gradually trickling into the various marking stations across the country since Monday.
Team leaders and subject coordinators already submitted their reports in the past week.
Teachers have been working on marking schemes for the subjects they have specialized in for more than six days in preparation for the marking exercise.
During the exercise, some teachers complained about the long working hours.
“I wish we could work from 8 am to 5 pm like any other Kenyan. Why d we have to work until 10 pm yet payment has not been adjusted to reflect the long working hours?” complained one of the teachers who sought anonymity in a briefing to the Star.
The teachers implored the Kenya National Examinations Council to look into the issue of working hours or consider payment for overtime.
“We are supposed to work from 8-5. Otherwise, they should give us over time,” he added.
Another teacher was of the opinion of increasing the grading rates.
He criticized KNEC for maintaining the same payment kitty despite the high cost of living in the country.
“We cannot have the same amount of money paid over the years, we work for so long and we need to be paid better,” added the teachers.
Some of the institutions that have been assigned for marking are Mangu High School and Thika High School where marking of multiple subjects (English, Physics, and Mathematics) is ongoing.
KNEC established new reporting dates for KCSE examiners starting from the 2nd of January 2022.
Coordination between the chief and assistant examiners was done by the 21st of December 2022.
Subject team leaders were supposed to have reported by the 26th of December 2022.
KNEC has invited all examiners for the marking exercise through their website.
Teachers had called for the extension of KCSE reporting dates.
On Thursday, most teachers sought help in downloading their invitation letters for marking.
“The letter is unavailable at the moment, kindly check later. Copyright 2022. Kenya National Examinations Council” read a pop-up message on the website reads.
Eventually, the teachers did manage to get their marking letters.