KNEC Introduces Smart Digital Locks that tracks Operations on Exam Containers
A logo of The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and a photo of a Smart lock used on a shipping container
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled a new smart security system designed to enhance the integrity and transparency of the 2025 national examinations. The innovation, which introduces digital padlocks for exam storage containers, aims to curb cases of exam malpractice that have plagued past assessment periods.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that KNEC will pilot the use of these smart padlocks in 250 examination storage facilities across the country.
The digital locks are linked directly to the KNEC command centre, enabling real-time monitoring of each container’s access activity — including the exact times they are opened and sealed.
According to the Ministry of Education, this technological advancement marks a significant step toward ensuring accountability throughout the exam distribution process.
ALSO READ
Record-Breaking Exam Season as Kenya Prepares for Largest National Assessments
Behind the Smiles: The Unseen Mental Struggles of University Students in Kenya
How Digital Media is Transforming Job Applications and Interviews in Kenya
In addition to the new security technology, the government has imposed strict regulations on mobile phone use during exam sessions. All individuals within examination centres, including invigilators, are required to surrender their mobile phones immediately after the distribution of exam papers. This measure seeks to prevent any form of communication or information leakage during the exams.
“These locks are connected to the KNEC command centre, allowing real-time tracking of when each container is opened and closed,” said Ogamba. “This system will greatly minimize opportunities for unauthorized access to examination materials.”
The Education CS further clarified the security arrangements for the various examinations. The National Police Service will continue to oversee the security of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), while education officers and school administrators will manage the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) under a school-based system.
To promote fairness and eliminate bias in marking, KNEC has also introduced personalized examination papers. Each paper will feature the candidate’s name and a unique random number. Students will write their answers directly on the question booklets, and upon completion, the identification section will be detached and packed separately before marking. This approach ensures that markers remain unaware of each candidate’s identity.
For logistical efficiency, exam collection times have been standardized. KPSEA and KJSEA materials will be picked up once daily at 6:00 a.m., while KCSE papers will be collected twice — at 7:00 a.m. for morning papers and 12:00 p.m. for afternoon sessions.
The 2025 examinations will be historic, as they mark the first-ever national assessment for Grade 9 learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Grade Six pupils will take the KPSEA, while Grade Nine students will sit for the KJSEA exams.
The KJSEA will assess learners in twelve subjects over six days, whereas the KPSEA will cover five subjects within three days.
The KPSEA exams are scheduled to run from October 27 to 29, 2025, and the KJSEA exams will take place from October 27 to November 3, 2025.
