EXAMINER’S REPORT GENERAL COMMENTS The standard of the question paper was good and candidates were asked to answer five (5) questions out of seven (7) questions. The questions were clear, well typed and the instructions were also clearly stated. There were no ambiguities in the paper except that in question 4 sub-question B candidates were asked to state the effects of the expansion policy. All the candidates did not understand what is meant by expansion policy hence most of them who answered this question score low marks The mark allocations followed the weight as stated in the syllabus and marks were allocated to all sub-questions.

PERFORMANCE OF CANDIDATES The performance of candidates was better compared to the previous sittings. Some of the candidates scored 72%. A good number of candidates exhibited a high sense of preparedness while few others were not well prepared. The strength of most candidates was demonstrated in the question 7 which was on the users of financial statements and qualitative characteristics of financial information. Candidates generally scored better in question three (3) and seven (7) than in the other questions. High performers were evenly spread across all centres. Low performers were also spread across all centres. There were no signs of copying in any centre. The level of preparedness of candidates was mixed because while others performed extremely well others performed poorly. The standard of answers was mixed. Some of the candidates did not attempt the required number of questions making the achievement of an overall passing mark a challenge. The general presentation of scripts was acceptable. The majority of candidates are now filing question parts together, though some still scatter them throughout the answer book. The most prevalent reasons for some candidates obtaining low marks remains as in previous sittings, i.e. studying only a few selected topics, not reading the question carefully enough, or a lack of structure in the approach to answering questions, poor expression and digression in answering theoretical questions. There were also improper labeling of answers as required in the answer booklet and cover and improper presentation of answers.