2019 KNEC Reforms on Business and Technical Examinations

Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) today briefed principals and managers of institutions offering business and technical examinations of the new reforms that will guide the administration of national examinations set to start on July 12, 2019.

The national briefing was attended by participants from all National Polytechnics, Technical Training colleges and vocational centres from across the country.

Also in was the Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training Dr Kevit Desai, TVET Authority Director General/CEO Dr Kipkirui Langat, KNEC Chairman Dr John Onsati and KNEC CEO Mercy Karogo, among other senior government officials.

Dr Desai noted that enrolment in TVET institutions has increased by 130% this year with around 190,000 students being admitted in training institutions across the country and that the government expects the figure to double next year.

The PS asked the principals and trainers to work with other stakeholders to make the new Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum a reality.

“All of us need to work as a team across the value chain, especially now when we are about to introduce Competence Based Training in our training institutions,” Dr Desai said.

He added that once the new curriculum is rolled TVET principals and trainers will sign Performance Contracts so as to ensure smooth implementation.

TVETA CEO Dr Langat told the participants that examination is important for ascertaining quality assurance of the training process.

“That is why I am appealing to you to uphold the highest standards when administering the exam to ensure credibility of the outcome. TVETA will be there to support you and make the entire exercise successful,” Dr Langat said.

KNEC CEO said that the Council will not negotiate on credibility of the exam and any malpractice will be dealt with according to the law.

Some of the new 2019 KNEC changes introduced to cement the credibility of the business and technicals exam include:

1. Colleges administering KNEC exams to close by 12th July and leave only candidates in college.
2. School principals will be centre managers and therefore KNEC agents. They will select and appoint in writing Deans or HODs to assist them during the exam period. In case of any malpractices, the manager and appointed HoDs will be held liable.
3. The Centre Managers and trainers involved in any malpractice will face the law. KNEC will also write to TVETA to have their licences canceled.
4. Candidates will carry proper identification using their IDs and labels provided by KNEC before they sit the exam.