Kisumu: The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has rolled out stringent measures to safeguard the integrity of this year's national examinations as candidates across the country sit the first-ever Grade 9 assessments under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). KNEC Chairperson Prof. Julius Nyabundi said on Monday that the council has fortified its systems to seal all loopholes that could compromise the credibility of the examinations.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Nyabundi emphasized that KNEC remains unwavering in protecting the integrity of national exams. Speaking during the opening and distribution of examination materials at the Kisumu Central Sub-County container, he stated, '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.'
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. Prof. Nyabundi noted that this reform has significantly reduced the risk of pre-examination leaks. Additionally, 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. Security personnel will escort the examination containers and secure the surrounding areas, but they will not remain inside exam rooms unless absolutely necessary. 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.
He 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.
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.
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. Prof. Nyabundi reiterated that the council's reforms are aimed at restoring and strengthening public confidence in national assessments, stating, 'Our goal is not just to test knowledge, but to nurture confident, competent learners ready for the next stage of life'.