Exams body's new board to meet for first time on Tuesday

Newly appointed Knec Chairman George Magoha

The new Kenya National Examinations Council's (Knec) board will meet for the first time Tuesday.

Most of the members of the old board will however remain as the Knec Act (2012) is specific on representation to the panel.

A gazette notice seen by The Standard shows Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i appointed Education PS Belio Kipsang', Treasury PS Kamau Thugge , Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Director Jwan Julius and Teachers Service Commission Secretary Nancy Macharia to the new board.

Acting Chief Executive Officer for quality assurance and standards in the ministry, Pius Mutisya, was also appointed to the board.

These officers were part of the previous board and have been retained in the new board, as Knec Act is specific on their representation. They will serve for a term of three years.

The Act also states that the Knec chief executive officer should be an ex-officio board member. The Act also mandates the CS to nominate three people to sit in the new board. The three people, the law says, should represent interests of the disabled, post-technical and business training institutions and the private sector.

Three members of the old board have been replaced by Rose Saina (former Kenya High principal), John Onsati (former Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology and Nyeri Technical principal) and Martin Okiyo Osangiri (to represent persons with disabilities).

Dr Matiang'i announced last week that President Uhuru Kenyatta had appointed former University of Nairobi vice chancellor George Magoha as new board chairperson. The board is now fully constituted.

But Knec under section (8) (1) of the Act may co-opt two members in order to benefit from special skills as may be necessary.

Matiang'i outlined the major task of the new board and stated that it must restore public confidence and credibility in the management of examination processes.

The new board will vet all of Knec's senior staff to determine their suitability to continue holding their offices.

Already, senior deputy secretary in charge of examinations, Ambia Noor, deputy secretary in charge of security, Maundu Matenzewa, principal examination secretary Thomas McKenzie and senior deputy secretary in charge of reprographics Sarah Majani have been asked to record statements with the police.