Government and Policy

KNEC Invites Applications For Teacher Assessment Exam Markers

BY Getrude Mathayo · April 1, 2025 08:04 pm

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially opened applications for college tutors who wish to be considered as examiners for teacher education assessments.

According to KNEC, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of marking and ensure that assessments for teacher training programs are conducted by qualified and competent professionals.

In a notice released on Tuesday, April 1, KNEC announced that it would be conducting a comprehensive training program for tutors who will be responsible for marking teacher education exams later this month.

The council emphasized that this training is essential for maintaining high standards in the assessment process and ensuring that educators are evaluated fairly and consistently.

To participate in the training, interested college tutors are required to submit their applications through the designated KNEC portal. Successful applicants will be shortlisted based on predetermined eligibility criteria.

Those who qualify for the training will be required to pay a mandatory training fee of Ksh10,500. However, the council clarified that only shortlisted candidates would be required to make this payment.

“The training fee will be Ksh10,500 and will only be made by the shortlisted applicants, who will be notified through a text message (SMS) and the portal on how to make the payments,” KNEC stated in its notice, which was published through the government’s official publication, MyGov.

KNEC has structured the training to be a hybrid program, incorporating both online and residential learning components. The online training materials will be made available to the selected participants, while details regarding the dates and venue for the residential sessions will be communicated to the shortlisted trainees at a later stage.

This blended learning approach ensures that tutors receive a thorough understanding of the assessment criteria while also benefiting from hands-on training during the in-person sessions.

It also enables participants to engage with experienced examiners and education professionals, providing a holistic training experience.

Despite completing the training, KNEC clarified that this does not automatically guarantee employment as an examiner. The council will select examiners based on the personnel needs for each subject and paper.

Selection criteria will be guided by the council’s recruitment policies and the availability of vacancies in different subject areas.

KNEC further noted that trained tutors who already hold qualifications in Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE), Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE), or Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE) and are already listed in the KNEC database of examiners do not need to apply for the training.

The training program will encompass a diverse range of subjects under the Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE) and Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE) programs.

Tutors specializing in various disciplines will be trained as assessors in the following subject areas:

Languages: English, Literature in English, Arabic, French, and German.
Sciences: Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
Social Sciences: Geography and Life Skills Education.
Creative and Technical Fields: Fine Art, Visual Arts, Music and Dance, Performing Arts, and Theatre and Film.
Technical Subjects: Wood Technology, Electrical Technology, Pre-Technical Studies, and Textile Design Technology.
Engineering and Media Studies: Mechatronics and Media Technology.
Health and Environmental Disciplines: Environmental Education, Physical and Health Education, and Health and Nutrition.
Religious Studies: Christian Religious Education (C.R.E) and Islamic Religious Education (I.R.E).
Education and Child Development: Child Development, Psychology, and Social Studies.
Indigenous Knowledge and Agriculture: Indigenous Languages, Arts and Crafts, Agriculture, and Science and Technology.

The introduction of this training program aligns with KNEC’s broader mission to uphold the integrity and credibility of national examinations.

By equipping college tutors with the necessary skills to assess teacher education exams, the council aims to enhance the reliability of grading systems, thereby improving the overall quality of teacher training in Kenya.

Moreover, the program ensures that future teachers are assessed by professionals who have a deep understanding of the subject matter and pedagogical principles.

This is particularly crucial in the evolving educational landscape, where new methodologies and curriculum changes necessitate continuous professional development for educators and assessors alike.