KNEC to introduce online assessments in senior schools from 2027
KNEC to introduce online assessments in senior schools from 2027
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is planning to introduce digital assessments in senior schools starting in 2027, a major shift from traditional paper-based examinations.
According to KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere, the move is prompted by the successful rollout of e-assessment in teacher-training colleges, where over 37,000 trainees have been examined digitally and graduated over the past three years.
The shift aims to improve examination efficiency and reduce costs while providing real-time, personalised data to track student performance and support early interventions for learners.
“This strategy not only ensures that all teachers are highly proficient in digital literacy but also provides an opportunity to generate personalised data useful in identifying areas of strength and weakness at trainee, college and national levels,” Njengere said.
He explained that the initiative will be rolled out in senior schools first to gauge its effectiveness and resolve any issues before nationwide implementation.
KNEC officials noted that the digital system would enhance digital literacy among students, which would address concerns that many learners only encounter technology for the first time during national exams.
Additionally, the council highlighted that it would enable remote marking, faster result processing and improved decision-making for education policy through automated analytics.
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Adaptive technologies within the system are expected to enhance inclusion in assessments by introducing audio-visual or voice-assisted formats that support learners with special needs.
Despite the expected benefits, KNEC acknowledged challenges such as insufficient ICT infrastructure, low typing proficiency among learners, and risks related to cybersecurity and academic integrity.
To mitigate these challenges, the council plans to use lockdown browsers, restricted networks, and offline exam modes to prevent unauthorised access and cheating during assessments.
KNEC reported that its digital initiative has grown from a pilot with 45 candidates in 2021 to over 50,000 candidates across more than 100 learning institutions by 2025.
Njengere said the rollout aligns with the ICT in Education and Training Policy (2021) and the National Education Sector Strategic Plan (2023), aiming to align students with global digital developments.
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