The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced a shift in its operations ahead of this year's exams, opting to outsource the logistics for the administration of national examinations.
This move, according to KNEC, aims to streamline the distribution and handling of exam materials for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) tests scheduled for October and November 2025.
For decades, KNEC has managed exam logistics internally, relying on a fragmented system involving multiple service providers at different stages. This system, while functional, has presented various inefficiencies.
In documents reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke, KNEC stated that the current process includes coordinating the printing of exam materials, handling their clearance at entry points, managing storage at warehouses, and ensuring secure transport to and from examination centres. Officials accompany the materials alongside security personnel, with different agencies handling different phases of the process.
However, in a notice issued via the government publication MyGov, KNEC indicates plans to change this process by engaging an external logistics service provider, which is expected to resolve many of these challenges.
According to the council, an integrated logistics management system will centralise and streamline operations, ensuring better tracking and security of exam papers and scripts.
The council has invited qualified firms to bid for this contract, which will initially last for one year, with an option to extend for an additional two years based on performance.
The new system will consolidate all exam logistics into a single, seamless operation. The service provider will oversee the transport of confidential exam materials from printers to KNEC warehouses, distribution to exam centres, and retrieval of answer scripts.
Additionally, the firm will manage warehouse handling, dispatch coordination, and secure transportation. The goal is to increase efficiency, cut costs, and enhance accountability.
Under the old system, logistical gaps led to inefficiencies, delays, and security risks. Examination materials were transported via road, water, and air, often involving last-minute adjustments due to unforeseen challenges.
The security of exam materials has been a long-standing concern. Leakages and breaches in past years have prompted stricter measures, including increased police presence and digital tracking of scripts.
The outsourced system will integrate modern tracking technology, reducing the risk of exam malpractice and ensuring real-time monitoring of materials in transit.
Another key aspect of the new system is cost reduction. While outsourcing may appear to be an additional expenditure, KNEC argues that consolidating logistics into one service provider will ultimately lower operational costs.
By eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies in the current system, the council expects to achieve significant savings while maintaining or even improving service delivery.
The council has outlined stringent qualifications for potential bidders. Interested firms must demonstrate at least ten years of experience in logistics, provide evidence of handling similar projects, and meet high standards of financial and technical capacity.
They will also be required to integrate their systems with KNEC's existing examination management platforms for seamless operations. KNEC has set a deadline of March 19, 2025, for any interested parties.
Details of the tender are available on the KNEC website.
