International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue IX, September 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Analysis of Kantian Ethical Principles of Morality in Relation to Examination Cheating in Kenya.
Monica Achieng Odero*, Prof Joseph Nasongo, & Dr Philip Mukonyi
Department of Educational Foundations, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P. O. BOX 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
*Corresponding Author
Abstract: The level of exam cheating around the world has alarmed stakeholders in education who, by default, are expected to have developed students into morally upright people. The purpose of the study was an analysis of Kantian ethical principles of morality in relation to examination cheating in Kenya. The paper was guided by two objectives as follows; the phenomenon of examination cheating in Kenya and Kantian ethical principles of morality. Critical method guided the methodology of the paper. The findings concluded that the main motivator to examination cheating was institutional level compared to individual and cross-cutting levels. Also, the findings indicated that educational stakeholders and teachers were at the forefront in fostering cheating as opposed to Kantian deontological theory of ethics. Lastly, the findings concluded that the principles of universality and humanity formula are the best to be emulated by individuals to bridge the gap of disrespect to humanity rights and obligations.
Key Words: Deontology: Refers to duty, Phenomenon: Reality perceived to exist: Morality: Code of conduct that is acceptable.
I. BACKGROUND
The level of exam cheating around the world has alarmed stakeholders in education who, by default, are expected to have developed students into morally upright people. Examinee cheating has been a major source of worry in Kenya, particularly at the level of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) test (Adow et al 2015).
Some instances of exam fraud have led to results being cancelled and expulsion (Mwandikwa and Ocharo, 2007). According to statistics, two thousand nine hundred and seventy-five (2975) student results were cancelled in 2014; zero incidents were reported in 2016. However, results for one thousand two hundred and five (1205) candidates were cancelled in 2017, three thousand four hundred and twenty seven (3427) candidates had their results cancelled in 2018, one thousand three hundred and nine (1309) candidates had their results cancelled in 2019, and two hundred eighty seven (287) candidates had their results cancelled in 2020. This is a blatant sign that there will be a major issue with our summative assessment at the end of the four-year period.