KNEC chief executive David Njegere. /KNEC
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has dismissed as fake a social media post claiming that it plans to recruit non-teachers as examiners, supervisors and invigilators for this year's national examinations and assessments.
The viral post alleged that KNEC was implementing reforms that would allow untrained individuals to participate in the administration of national examinations, drawing comparisons with the conduct of elections, where people from various professions oversee the voting process.
"Breaking news. KNEC to recruit non-teachers as exam supervisors in IEBC-style examination reforms. A move towards more credible, transparent and independent management of Kenya's national examinations," read part of the post circulating online.
In response, KNEC distanced itself from the claims and urged members of the public to disregard the information.
"Beware of fake news. Kaa chonjo! (stay alert)," the council said in a post on its official X account.
However, the warning triggered criticism from some users, many of whom used the opportunity to raise concerns over delayed payments to teachers and other professionals contracted to administer last year's examinations.
"You easily see fake posts, but you can't see teachers' posts begging you to pay them for the noble services they rendered to you. Sadly enough, you'll again need their services come this year," one commenter wrote.
KNEC has previously acknowledged delays in the payment of contracted professionals engaged in the 2025 national examination and assessment processes, attributing the situation to budgetary constraints.
The council said payments would be released in phases depending on the availability of funds.
Allowances for examination personnel vary depending on the examination level and duration.
Invigilators and centre managers receive Sh550 per day, while supervisors are paid Sh680 per day.
In a statement issued in February, the Ministry of Education said the delays in the disbursement of allowances arose from budgetary and cash-flow constraints affecting the release of funds.
The ministry urged supervisors, invigilators, security personnel and examiners to exercise patience, assuring them that the settlement of their allowances remained a top priority.
"The ministry recognises the critical role played by the contracted professionals in safeguarding the integrity, credibility and timely delivery of national assessments. Moving forward, we commit to safeguarding timely payment," the statement dated February 12 read in part.
The ministry further said it was engaging the National Treasury to resolve the matter and expedite the release of the required funds.
In the 2026/27 financial year, the National Treasury has proposed an allocation of Sh9.9 billion to KNEC for the administration of national examinations, a significant increase from the Sh5.9 billion allocated in 2025/26.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said Kenya's future depends on the development of strong human capital and that the government would continue promoting equity and scaling up investment in education.
Education received the largest share of the proposed Sh4.8 trillion national budget, with an allocation of Sh784.5 billion. This represents an increase of Sh81.8 billion from the Sh702.7 billion allocated in the previous financial year.
