KNEC Training for Assessment Item Writers Announced for April 2026
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is currently accepting applications from qualified teachers and teacher educators to participate in a capacity-building program for test item writing. This initiative, scheduled for April 2026, aims to strengthen the implementation of Competency Based Assessment (CBA) within the Kenyan education system.
Dr. David Njengere, the KNEC Chief Executive Officer, noted in a recent circular that the objective is to develop a certified roster of subject specialists available for periodic assessment development tasks. This ensures the maintenance of rigorous examination standards across all levels.
Criteria for Applicants
To be eligible, candidates must be registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and have at least three years of active teaching experience. The council is seeking subject specialists currently teaching in Primary (Grades 1-6), Junior (Grades 7-9), Senior (Grade 10) schools, or Teacher Training Colleges.
Qualified applicants are expected to demonstrate high levels of integrity and a deep understanding of the current curriculum designs. Additionally, a formal recommendation from the head of their current institution is required for all applicants.
Program Coverage and Subject Areas
The training encompasses a broad spectrum of learning areas, including special needs education (SNE) and diploma-level teacher education (DTE/DSTE). Specialized technical subjects, such as Aviation, Marine Technology, and Mechatronics, are also included alongside core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Kiswahili. It is important to note that educators who have participated in previous KNEC item writing training sessions are not eligible to apply.
Application Details
Interested professionals should submit their applications through the designated KNEC portal. The council emphasizes that the selection process is aimed at expanding the national pool of experts to support evolving assessment needs.
Detailed Subject Areas Available for Application
Teachers and teacher educators can apply for training in the following subjects and learning areas, organized by education level:
Primary School Learning Areas (Age-Based Curriculum)
S/No. | Learning Area |
|---|---|
1 | Mathematics |
2 | English |
3 | Kiswahili |
4 | Science and Technology |
5 | Social Studies |
6 | Home Science |
7 | Art & Craft |
8 | Agriculture |
9 | Music |
10 | Physical and Health Education |
11 | Christian Religious Education |
12 | Islamic Religious Education |
13 | Kenyan Sign Language |
Junior School Learning Areas
S/No. | Learning Area |
|---|---|
1 | English |
2 | Kiswahili |
3 | Kenyan Sign Language |
4 | Mathematics |
5 | Integrated Science |
6 | Pre-Technical Studies |
7 | Social Studies |
8 | CRE |
9 | IRE |
10 | Business Studies |
11 | Agriculture |
12 | PE and Sports |
13 | Home Science |
14 | Computer Science |
15 | Visual Arts |
16 | Performing Arts |
Senior School Learning Areas
S/No. | Learning Area |
|---|---|
1 | English |
2 | Literature in English |
3 | Kiswahili |
4 | Fasihi ya Kiswahili |
5 | Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) |
6 | Sign Language |
7 | Arabic |
8 | French |
9 | German |
10 | Chinese Mandarin |
11 | Indigenous Language |
12 | Christian Religious Education (CRE) |
13 | Islamic Religious Education (IRE) |
14 | Community Service Learning (CSL) |
15 | Business Studies |
16 | History & Citizenship |
17 | Geography |
18 | Music and Dance |
19 | Fine Arts |
20 | Theatre and Film |
21 | Physical Education (PE) |
22 | Sports & Recreation |
23 | Core Mathematics |
24 | Essential Mathematics |
25 | Biology |
26 | Physics |
27 | Chemistry |
28 | General Science |
29 | Computer Science |
30 | Home Science |
31 | Agriculture |
32 | Aviation |
33 | Building Construction |
34 | Electricity |
35 | Metalwork |
36 | Power Mechanics |
37 | Woodwork |
38 | Media Technology |
39 | Marine and Fisheries Technology |
Special Needs Education Assessments (Stage-Based Curriculum)
S/No. | Learning Area |
|---|---|
1 | Foundation Level Learning Areas |
2 | Intermediate Level Learning Areas |
3 | Prevocational Level Learning Areas |
4 | Vocational Level Learning Areas |
Teacher Education: DTE-PP&P
S/No. | Learning Area |
|---|---|
1 | English |
2 | Kiswahili |
3 | Mathematics |
4 | Science and Technology |
5 | Kenyan Sign Language |
6 | Physical and Health Education |
7 | Home Science |
8 | Agriculture |
9 | Christian Religious Education |
10 | Islamic Religious Education |
11 | Educational Resources |
12 | ICT Integration in Education |
13 | Education Assessment |
14 | Research Skills |
15 | Educational Leadership and Management |
16 | Child Development and Psychology |
17 | Inclusive Education |
18 | Sociological and Philosophical Foundations of Education |
19 | Historical and Comparative Foundations of Education |
20 | Curriculum Studies |
21 | Art and Craft |
22 | Music |
23 | Indigenous Languages |
24 | French |
25 | German |
26 | Mandarin |
27 | Arabic |
Teacher Education: DSTE
S/No. | Learning Area |
|---|---|
1 | Educational Assessment |
2 | Educational Management & Leadership |
3 | Education Resources |
4 | ICT Integration in Education |
5 | Research Skills |
6 | Child Development and Psychology |
7 | Inclusive Education |
8 | Sociological and Philosophical Foundations of Education |
9 | Historical and Comparative Foundations of Education |
10 | Curriculum Studies |
11 | Community Service Learning |
12 | English |
13 | Kiswahili |
14 | Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) |
15 | Indigenous Language |
16 | Arabic |
17 | French |
18 | German |
19 | Mandarin |
20 | Mathematics |
21 | Chemistry |
22 | Physics |
23 | Biology |
24 | Integrated Science |
25 | Agriculture |
26 | Health, Food and Nutrition |
27 | Home Science |
28 | Health Education |
29 | Home and Hospitality Management |
30 | Computer Science |
31 | Christian Religious Education (CRE) |
32 | Islamic Religious Education (IRE) |
33 | Social Studies |
34 | Business Studies |
35 | History and Citizenship |
36 | Geography |
37 | Life Skills Education (LSE) |
38 | Sports and Recreation |
39 | Physical Education (PE) |
40 | Applied Arts |
41 | Visual Arts |
42 | Fine Arts |
43 | Music and Dance |
44 | Performing Arts |
45 | Theatre and Film |
46 | Wood Technology |
47 | Building Construction |
48 | Welding and Fabrication |
49 | Electrical Technology |
50 | Electrical Installation |
51 | Aviation Technology |
52 | Leather Work |
53 | Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy |
54 | Power Mechanics Technology |
55 | Pre-Technical Studies |
56 | Fashion Design and Interior Décor |
57 | Metal Technology |
58 | Textile Design Technology |
59 | Mechatronics |
60 | Media Technology |
Key Application Requirements
- Application Deadline: All online applications must be submitted by 13th April 2026.
- Application Link: Visit https://markingapp.knec.ac.ke to apply.
- Document Submission: All required documents must be compiled and uploaded as one continuous PDF file.
- Selection Notification: Only successful applicants will be contacted via the phone number or email address provided during registration.
- Previous Trainees: Teachers who have already undergone KNEC Item Writing training are not eligible to reapply for this session.
Minimum Qualifications Checklist
Before applying, ensure you meet all the following requirements:
- Demonstrate unquestionable and irreproachable integrity.
- Be a professional, expert, or subject specialist in your field of application.
- Currently teaching the subject/learning area you are applying for in the relevant level.
- Possess the relevant academic and professional qualifications.
- Be conversant with the content of current curriculum designs in your area of specialization.
- Have a minimum of 3 years teaching experience.
- Be registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
- Obtain a formal recommendation from your head of institution.
Final Thoughts
This KNEC initiative represents a crucial step toward enhancing assessment quality and ensuring alignment with Competency Based Assessment frameworks across Kenya’s education system. Qualified educators are encouraged to review the subject areas carefully and submit their applications before the deadline.
Successful candidates will receive certification and may be engaged by KNEC as contracted professionals for assessment development tasks, contributing to the nation’s educational excellence.
Dr. David Njengere, MBS
Chief Executive Officer
Kenya National Examinations Council
For more education news, teacher resources, and professional development opportunities, visit education.co.ke.