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Item writing is the process of developing individual questions or tasks used to assess a learner's knowledge, skills and competencies. The process goes beyond simply writing questions. Assessment items need to be linked to the curriculum, test the intended learning outcomes and be clear enough to allow learners to demonstrate what they know and can do
The Bill, sponsored by Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, proposes the creation of the Kenya National Educational Assessments Council to take over the role currently performed by the Kenya National Examinations Council.
The 2026 examination cycle comes as the education sector continues to implement reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), while KCSE remains in place for secondary school candidates.
The certificates, which cost Sh1,500 and are obtained through the eCitizen payment system, can be used immediately for university admissions, college and TVET applications, scholarships, job applications, internships and other official purposes.
The Kenya National Examinations Council, however, has been allocated only Sh9.9 billion in the current financial year, leaving it with a funding deficit of Sh6.71 billion.
The new e-Certificate verification service is expected to make the verification process quicker while improving confidence in Kenya's examination certificates.
Under the new system, candidates are required to register on the e-certificate portal using their full names and email addresses. First-time users must activate their accounts by entering a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to their registered email before accessing the platform.
KNEC said only shortlisted applicants will be required to pay a training fee of Sh10,500. Instructions on how to make the payment will be shared through SMS and the KNEC application portal.
Eligible candidates include those studying in National Polytechnics, Technical Training Institutes (TTIs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, as well as Vocational Training Centres.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) had completed the disbursement of the outstanding balances to the examiners' respective bank accounts following the release of funds by the National Treasury.
The verification comes as KNEC intensifies preparations for the administration of assessments under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), where continuous assessment contributes to a learner’s final score.
The recruitment is intended to strengthen the pool of trained assessors responsible for evaluating candidates' performance in practical and oral examinations