KNEC Dismisses Plot to Recruit Non-Teachers to Supervise KCSE, KJSEA Exams
NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has firmly dismissed reports claiming it plans to recruit non-teachers to supervise and invigilate national examinations, terming the allegations as false and misleading.
The clarification comes after reports circulated widely on social media and within education circles suggesting that KNEC was considering a major policy shift that would allow qualified individuals outside the teaching profession to oversee examinations such as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
According to the reports, the proposed model would have seen KNEC move away from its long-standing practice of relying on teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and instead engage trained and vetted external personnel to conduct examination supervision duties.
The reports further claimed that the proposal had been inspired by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which regularly recruits temporary staff to manage elections and other electoral processes.
However, KNEC has categorically denied the claims.
In a brief but firm response, the examinations body labelled the reports as fake, dismissing speculation that any such policy changes were under consideration.
The clarification is expected to ease concerns among teachers, many of whom had expressed uncertainty over the future of examination management and their role in administering national assessments.
Teachers Raise Concerns Over Delayed Payments
The reports emerged at a time when KNEC is facing growing pressure from teachers over delayed payments for examination-related duties carried out during the 2025 national examination period.
For months, teachers involved in the supervision, invigilation and marking of national examinations have voiced frustrations over what they describe as prolonged delays in receiving their allowances.
Many educators argue that the delays have caused significant financial hardship, especially for those who incurred personal expenses while undertaking examination duties.
Teacher representatives have maintained that examination administration requires considerable commitment and responsibility and that timely payment is essential to motivate personnel tasked with safeguarding the credibility of national assessments.
Some educators have also called for improved coordination between KNEC and the TSC to prevent similar delays in future examination cycles.
Push for Greater Accountability
In response to the payment challenges, stakeholders in the education sector have urged the Teachers Service Commission and KNEC to establish a more structured working framework that would enhance accountability and streamline the payment process.
Education leaders argue that a formal contractual arrangement between the two institutions could help eliminate confusion regarding roles and responsibilities while ensuring examination personnel receive their dues on time.
The issue has increasingly become a major talking point within the education sector as preparations begin for future national examinations.
KUPPET Threatens Boycott
The controversy surrounding examination payments intensified further in May when the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) threatened to boycott examination duties unless outstanding arrears were settled.
The union directed its members to refrain from participating in invigilation, supervision and marking activities for the 2026 examination cycle if the concerns were not addressed.
The move signalled growing frustration among teachers and raised fears of possible disruptions to future examinations if the payment dispute remains unresolved.
Focus on Examination Integrity
Despite the speculation surrounding staffing changes, KNEC continues to face the broader challenge of enhancing efficiency, accountability and transparency in the administration of national examinations.
The council has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and credibility of Kenya’s examination system, which remains a critical pillar in the country’s education sector.
For now, KNEC’s latest clarification puts to rest claims that non-teachers will be recruited to supervise KCSE and KJSEA examinations, reaffirming that the reports circulating online are unfounded.
As preparations for future examinations continue, attention is now shifting to resolving teachers’ concerns over delayed payments while ensuring the smooth administration of national assessments across the country.
