The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced plans to introduce online assessments for senior school students starting in 2027, marking a major shift from the traditional paper-based examination system.
According to KNEC, the digital assessment programme has grown rapidly over the past few years, increasing from a pilot involving only 45 candidates in 2021 to more than 50,000 learners in over 100 institutions by 2025.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere said the move is part of efforts to align Kenya’s education system with global digital trends and support the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The programme is also linked to the ICT in Education and Training Policy and the National Education Sector Strategic Plan.
Under the new system, senior school learners will complete some of their assessments digitally, replacing parts of the traditional written examinations. KNEC believes the move will improve efficiency, reduce examination malpractice, and strengthen digital learning skills among students.
At the same time, KNEC has already begun preparing schools for the transition by rolling out online registration portals, digital assessment centres, and online teacher training programmes focused on competency-based assessments.
The council recently directed principals with Grade 10 learners to register their schools online as official senior school assessment centres ahead of the rollout.
The shift comes as Kenya continues transitioning fully into the CBC system, where assessments will combine school-based projects, practical work, and final summative exams under the Kenya Certificate of Basic Education (KCBE).
Overall, the introduction of online assessments signals one of the biggest changes in Kenya’s education system in recent years, as schools move toward a more digital and technology-driven learning environment.