Former KNEC Secretary Juma Mwachihi dies

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Former Secretary (Chief Executive) of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Juma Mohamed Mwachihi has died at MEWA Hospital in Mombasa while undergoing treatment, his nephew Hamisi Tsumo confirmed.

“My uncle was being treated at the Muslim Education and Welfare Association (MEWA) hospital in Mvita. He has passed on,” Mr Tsumo said on Friday.

Although a native of Kwale County, the family says it has preparation for burial at his residence in Mavueni, Kilifi County.

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya also mourned Mr Mwachihi in a Facebook post, describing him as a respected educationist and devoted family man.

“Mr Juma Mwachihi, uncle to my wife Aisha, passed on this afternoon. He was former CEO of KNEC, former Chief Principal of Shanzu Teachers College, and former Registrar of Pwani University. He also served as Principal of Malindi High School and Kenyatta High School, Mwatate,” wrote Mr Baya.

The legislator said the burial will take place at 1pm on Saturday at the family’s Mavueni home in Kilifi North Constituency.

Mr Mwachihi was a teacher by profession and once served as Principal of Shanzu Teachers Training College before moving into national examinations administration.

After his KNEC tenure he joined Kenyatta University’s Mombasa campus and later Pwani University, where he remained until retirement.

The educationist, took over from Dr Ahmed Yussuf in 1998 and served as KNEC Secretary until 2005, when he was succeeded by Mr Paul Masiuki Wasanga.

His death follows the demise earlier this year of Dr Yusuf, whom he succeeded.

Dr Yussuf who served as Chief Executive (equivalent role) from 1978 to 1998 died on May 7, 2025, after a long illness.

The passing of two former directors in the same year comes at a time when KNEC is managing a significant new task — the rollout of the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), the first such national assessment in the country’s history.

Mr Mwachihi’s life spanned teacher training, examinations administration, university service and local community engagement.

He leaves behind a legacy within Kenyan education, as well as a wife, children and many grandchildren.

May he rest in peace.