The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has launched a nationwide rollout of digital smart locks on all examination storage containers to safeguard the credibility of national examinations.
The initiative is part of a comprehensive reform strategy aimed at closing loopholes that have historically compromised the integrity of Kenya’s examination process.
KNEC Chief Executive Dr David Njeng’ere announced that the smart locks will now be used to secure all containers where national examination papers are stored before distribution. The technology will record and transmit real-time data on the opening and closing of each container.
According to Dr Njeng’ere, the system is designed to detect any unauthorised access to examination materials and immediately alert KNEC headquarters in Nairobi. “We can now monitor all exam containers remotely. The smart locks record the exact time a container is opened and transmit that data directly to our servers,” he stated.
The smart locks are fitted with digital chips that send location and time data every time a container is opened. The system allows KNEC to trace who accessed each container and at what specific time. Njeng’ere said this technology is intended to eliminate the chances of tampering that have occasionally occurred under manual systems.
“This system helps us eliminate guesswork. It provides transparency and accountability by showing who opened a container, when it was opened, and where it occurred. If it is opened outside the designated time, the system immediately alerts us,” he explained.
The rollout is taking place ahead of the national examinations scheduled between late October and November. The initiative has been implemented across all examination distribution points in the country, which are supervised by the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission, and the National Police Service. Each examination centre collects its materials daily from its sub-county container, which is now fitted with a digital lock that records every instance of access.
For several years, the council used traditional padlocks on exam containers. That system relied heavily on manual documentation and human oversight, which created vulnerabilities that could be exploited. There were cases where containers were opened slightly earlier than scheduled or under unclear circumstances, raising concerns about integrity. By adopting smart locks, KNEC aims to create a digital trail that cannot be altered, ensuring every step of the distribution process can be verified.
Dr Njeng’ere emphasised that this innovation reflects KNEC’s continued effort to strengthen exam credibility through modern technology. “We have integrated the smart lock system into our digital monitoring infrastructure so that any unusual activity triggers an alert immediately. This means if a container is opened outside official hours or in an unauthorised area, the system will notify us instantly,” he said.
The introduction of smart locks is part of a broader government policy to modernise education management and reinforce accountability in public institutions. The Ministry of Education has supported the move as a major step toward curbing malpractice in national examinations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba recently described the initiative as a milestone that will restore confidence in Kenya’s testing process. “We are committed to protecting the credibility of our national exams. The smart lock system will enhance transparency and ensure that all operations are tracked from storage to dispatch,” Ogamba said during an inspection visit to exam centres.
The new system is not only about technology but also about building a culture of accountability. The locks will be monitored through a centralised digital command centre at KNEC headquarters. Each county and sub-county examination officer will also have access to the system, enabling them to respond promptly to alerts and verify all activities related to container management.
Dr Njeng’ere confirmed that training has already been completed for county directors of education, sub-county examinations officers, and police officers tasked with guarding the containers. “We have done extensive training for all officials involved. Everyone now understands how to use the smart locks and how to respond to alerts. This ensures that any attempt to interfere with exam materials will be detected immediately,” he said.
The reform is a response to past experiences where cases of exam malpractice, including early exposure of exam content and leakages, were traced back to weaknesses in container handling. The government has since intensified efforts to tighten the chain of custody from printing to delivery at examination centres. The smart locks provide a verifiable record of when a container is accessed, leaving no room for manipulation.
KNEC’s digital shift also complements other reforms such as personalised examination papers that carry unique identifiers for each candidate and enhanced surveillance in exam centres. The goal is to make the entire exam process transparent from production to marking.
This year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations will be the first to be fully managed under this system. The smart locks have been installed at all 493 exam container points across the country, and KNEC’s monitoring command centre is already operational.
Security officers stationed at each distribution point have also been trained on how to coordinate with education officials when alerts occur. The system allows both the Ministry of Education and local administrators to view access logs in real time, ensuring coordination and accountability at every level.
According to Dr Njeng’ere, the introduction of the smart locks marks one of the most significant reforms in Kenya’s education sector. “We are confident that this technology will not only deter malpractice but also help us maintain accurate data on the management of exam materials. It is a safeguard that will ensure our exams remain credible and fair,” he said.
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