The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has stepped up security measures to block any form of cheating as the first-ever Grade 9 assessments under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) begin across the country this week.
Speaking during the opening and distribution of examination materials at the Kisumu Central Sub-county container, KNEC Chairperson Prof. Julius Nyabundi said KNEC remains unwavering in protecting the integrity of national exams.
“At KNEC, we are always committed to protecting the integrity of our examinations. Any breach of integrity of the examinations in the past has been done outside KNEC. Up to today, there has been no leakage at all in these examinations and that is the way we must continue,” he said.
Among the key measures, the council has maintained the policy introduced last year requiring that morning and afternoon examination papers be collected separately to limit the window for early exposure.
“What is done in the afternoon is picked in the afternoon, and what is done in the morning is picked in the morning,” Prof. Nyabundi said, noting that the reform has significantly reduced the risk of pre-examination leaks.
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He added that all examination papers have been packaged individually for each school, with each candidate’s photograph printed on their script to curb impersonation and enhance accountability.
Prof. Nyabundi further explained that KNEC has reduced the number of police officers stationed inside examination centres to create a calmer and more comfortable atmosphere for candidates.
“In principle, there are no police officers in the examination centres. We want to ensure learners are not scared or distracted by the presence of armed police officers. Security personnel will escort the examination containers and secure the surrounding areas, but they will not remain inside exam rooms unless absolutely necessary,” he said.
He emphasized that only authorized personnel, centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators would be allowed inside examination centres, while all other teachers and staff must remain outside unless officially called in.
Prof. Nyabundi also described the introduction of the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) as a milestone in Kenya’s education reforms, marking a shift from high-stakes examinations to continuous assessments that evaluate learners’ progress over time.
“The biggest news today is that we are having Grade 9 examinations for the first time,” he said. “These are assessments, not examinations. We are moving away from the traditional exam mentality to one that tracks growth and learning outcomes,” he added.
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He said the KJSEA builds on assessments conducted in Grades 3 and 6 and would contribute to the learners’ cumulative academic record, continuing up to Grade 12, the CBC equivalent of Form Four.
Addressing logistical concerns amid ongoing rains, Prof. Nyabundi assured that the council had made adequate arrangements to ensure examination materials reached all centres on time.
“KNEC always puts measures to ensure examinations reach the centres. Where there is a need to use helicopters, we will use helicopters. Where there is a need to use boats, we will use boats,” he said.
Prof. Nyabundi reiterated that the council’s reforms are aimed at restoring and strengthening public confidence in national assessments.
“Our goal is not just to test knowledge,” he said, “but to nurture confident, competent learners ready for the next stage of life”.
Nationwide, more than 1.4 million learners are sitting the KPSEA, while another 1.2 million junior secondary students are taking the KJSEA. About 900,000 candidates are sitting the KCSE examinations.
By Fredrick Odiero
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