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The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has opened applications for teachers and tutors to train as examiners for the 2026 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and KCSE exams.

The invitation, issued by CEO and Secretary Dr David Njengere, comes amid a history of tensions over payment and timely deployment of examiners.

The training, scheduled between March and April 2026, will combine online and residential sessions.

Shortlisted applicants will pay a training fee of Sh10,500, after which they will be formally engaged to mark scripts.

Applications are online at examinersapp.knec.ac.ke.

For many teachers, serving as examiners is more than an extra duty—it is a critical civic responsibility that affects the integrity of national exams.

But delays in allowances and fees have historically created friction between KNEC and teachers.

Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba addressed concerns over delayed payments for teachers who marked the 2025 national exams.

He said some examiners had not yet received allowances due to budget and administrative delays, but assured that funds would be released promptly.

“Examiners are essential to safeguarding the credibility of our national assessments,” Mr Ogamba said.

“We are committed to clearing payments without further delays.”

Despite repeated assurances, past exam cycles have seen teachers protest over late disbursement of fees, sometimes weeks after marking ended.

Union chapters have warned that unpaid examiners could be reluctant to participate in future cycles, highlighting the need for clear, reliable arrangements.

The KNEC training now serves a dual purpose: equipping qualified teachers with skills to mark national exams accurately, and restoring confidence among educators that their work will be fairly compensated.

Dr Njengere said the training slots are limited and will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

“We need dedicated examiners who can ensure timely and credible marking of scripts,” he said.

“We also want teachers to understand their role as part of a system that protects students’ futures.”

With thousands of scripts to be assessed across Kenya, the training is not just a procedural step. It is a bridge between the exams themselves and public trust in the education system—ensuring that every grade awarded reflects careful, professional scrutiny.

Qualified teachers and tutors are therefore urged to apply early and follow instructions carefully, as the quality of national assessments hinges on their readiness and participation.