The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has introduced a new smart padlock system to enhance the integrity and security of national examinations, Chief Executive Officer David Njegere has announced.
Speaking in Nanyuki on Friday during the rollout of the technology at the local examination container, Njegere said the smart padlocks allow real-time remote monitoring of when exam containers are opened and closed. The devices are directly linked to the KNEC command centre in Nairobi.
“We are piloting one of our latest innovations to secure the integrity of examinations through the use of smart padlocks. They enable us at KNEC to see exactly when each container is opened and locked,” Njegere explained.
He noted that the smart padlocks will be operated exclusively by sub-county directors of education, who have been fully trained on their use.
“The sub-county director of education is the only authorized person to handle the smart padlock, and they have undergone adequate training,” he said, adding that the digital padlocks will be issued across 250 examination centres nationwide.
The introduction of smart padlocks is part of KNEC’s wider efforts to curb examination leakages and malpractices, which have been reported in some parts of the country in previous years.
Njegere emphasised that the council remains committed to upholding transparency and credibility in the administration of national examinations.
By Muturi Mwangi
