by Nikkie Aisha on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 – 5:11 pm KCSE candidates in an examination hall. Photo SMG 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. 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. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) offices in Nairobi. Photo KNEC 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. The union said the action would remain in place until the government cleared Ksh1.5 billion owed to teachers for services rendered during the 2025 national examinations. A week later, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that the government would release Ksh1.5 billion to KNEC before July to settle pending bills, including payments to examiners, leaving teachers in anticipation due to past unfulfilled promises. KUPPET members during a press conference on August 25, 2024. File KUPPET Latest News Bullet Recovered as Postmortem Reveals Cause of Death of Nanyuki Student Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 5:28 pm KNEC Responds to Plans for Major Shift Ahead of KCSE, KJSEA Exams Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 5:11 pm Relief for Kenyans Filing Taxes as KRA Announces Immediate Changes Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 5:01 pm Senators Propose Scrapping of All Boarding Schools in New Reforms Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 4:44 pm Kenya Eyes Major KDF Upgrade After UAE Deal Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 4:15 pm Court Rejects Appeal by Man Who Claims to Be Gachagua’s Nephew Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 3:47 pm COTU Sends Fresh Warning to Employers After Major Court Ruling Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 3:36 pm Kisumu Deputy Governor Reveals Details of Raila Odinga Centre and Library Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 3:21 pm Ruto Holds Talks with ChatGPT CEO for AI Academy in Nairobi Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 3:04 pm Naivasha Court Orders Extradition of U.S.-Based Kenyan Couple Over Alleged Plot to Kill Five Relatives Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 2:52 pm Sifuna Removed From Powerful Senate Committee Headed By Oburu Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 2:41 pm Alarm as Teachers Seek Transfers Ahead of 2027 Elections Wed, 17 Jun 2026 – 2:17 pm Load More