KNEC unveils teacher training hub for competency-based education assessment
The initiative comes just days before learners under the competency-based curriculum sit for the first-ever Kenya Junior School Education Assessment.
Teachers across the country will now have access to specialised training on assessments following the launch of a new resource centre by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), aimed at supporting the rollout of competency-based education (CBE).
The centre, which will offer both online and physical classes throughout the year, is designed to train not just teachers but also examiners, researchers, and education officers, including those from other East African countries.
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KNEC CEO David Njeng’ere noted that this is a major shift from previous arrangements, where only selected examiners were trained.
The initiative comes just days before learners under the competency-based curriculum sit for the first-ever Kenya Junior School Education Assessment.
“This mission is to empower educators, examiners, researchers and policymakers with essential skills in assessment, psychometrics, competency-based education and research. Through these efforts, the centre aims to foster excellence and innovation in educational evaluation, ensuring alignment with modern pedagogical practices and policy frameworks,” Njeng’ere said.
The Educational Assessment Resource Centre (EARC) will offer training in competency-based assessments, test construction, psychometrics, data analysis, standardised marking, quality assurance, and the use of digital tools in testing.
According to KNEC, all courses will be practical and hands-on, allowing participants to work with real data and apply their skills to real-life assessment scenarios. The centre, which will be officially launched today, aims to transform how assessments are developed, administered, and interpreted in schools.
Located at the New Mitihani House in South C, the centre will provide a variety of intensive courses tailored for educators and assessment professionals.
The Basic Education Principal Secretary, Julius Bitok, is expected to officially launch the centre today.
Teachers will now be trained in areas such as school-based assessments, which have drawn mixed reactions since they were introduced under CBE.
The training will also cover psychometrics, data analysis, test development, item writing, and quality control in marking.
According to Dr Njeng’ere, the competency-based assessment course will include five days of hands-on training in designing, administering and evaluating assessments.
Teachers will also be taken through how to develop tools such as learner portfolios, rubrics and observation checklists.
A more advanced 10-day online course will also be offered, where participants will receive both theoretical and practical skills to prepare for assessments under both traditional and CBE systems.
The sessions will include interactive lectures, real-life case studies and collaborative exercises.
“Examiners and assessment officers, and teachers involved in grading and examinations can attend,” Njeng’ere said.
KN says the centre will promote consistency and quality in how assessments are done across schools, helping ensure the CBE system is implemented effectively across the board.
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