The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has denied plans for a major policy shift that would allow qualified non-teachers to serve as national examination supervisors.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Under the proposal that surfaced on Wednesday, June 17, KNEC would move away from its long-standing reliance on teachers under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and instead contract trained, vetted external personnel to oversee supervision and invigilation during exam periods.

According to the reports, the model is inspired by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which hires temporary staff for election duties.

The reports that emerged from teachers' circles further indicated that KNEC’s planned changes come amid outrage as teachers continue to wait for payment for work done during the 2025 national examinations.

📌 What You Need to Know

However, the council has dismissed such plans, calling the reporting 'fake'.

KNEC has been under pressure to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency in the administration of national examinations.

The development comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns by teachers over long-delayed payments for examination-related duties in 2025.

In a recent push to settle outstanding arrears and prevent a recurrence of the situation, educators urged the TSC to enter into a formal contractual agreement with the KNEC to strengthen accountability.

Over the past few months, teachers have been complaining about the financial strain caused by the delays, including difficulties in clearing debts incurred during the exam period, while calling for fair recognition of their efforts.

In May, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) directed its members to boycott invigilation and marking duties for the 2026 national examinations over the arrears.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke