KNEC to Print National Exams Locally in a Shift to Cut Costs and Boost Capacity

By Irine Chebet

In a landmark policy shift set to redefine the administration of national examinations, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will begin printing exam papers locally for the first time in its history, ending more than 40 years of reliance on overseas firms.

The move, announced before the National Assembly’s Education Committee, signals a major transition in how Kenya manages one of the most sensitive and high-stakes processes in its education system.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok revealed that the 2026/27 financial year budget has allocated Sh147 million for the acquisition of specialized printing equipment.

The investment will facilitate the secure local production of examination materials, including optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets used in marking.

For decades, examination papers for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) were printed abroad—primarily in the United Kingdom—under tight security arrangements.

While the overseas printing model was adopted to guarantee confidentiality and curb exam leaks, it has long attracted criticism due to its high financial cost and complex logistics. Shipping highly confidential materials across borders required elaborate coordination, insurance cover, and strict security protocols, all of which significantly raised expenditure.

Education officials now argue that advances in local technology and improved security infrastructure make it feasible for Kenya to internalize the process without compromising exam integrity.

Beyond cost reduction, the decision is being framed as a strategic investment in building national capacity. By equipping KNEC with modern, secure printing technology, the government aims to reduce dependence on foreign providers while retaining full control over production timelines and security systems.

Officials insist that robust safeguards will accompany the transition. The procurement of secure printing machinery and enhanced surveillance systems is expected to ensure that confidentiality standards remain uncompromised.

The shift comes at a time when Kenya’s education sector is undergoing broader reforms, including curriculum changes and adjustments to assessment structures. Observers say bringing exam printing home aligns with efforts to modernize and streamline the country’s education management systems.

If successfully implemented, local printing could mark a new era of efficiency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness in the administration of national examinations.

For millions of learners who sit KCPE and KCSE exams each year, the change may be invisible. But behind the scenes, it represents a historic transformation in how Kenya safeguards and manages one of its most critical academic milestones.