Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao wants Knec disbanded over exam leakage

An MP has filed a motion to disband the national examination body and appoint new members.

Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao said the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) had failed in its mandate over irregularities that have been increasing over the years.

“It is very clear that Knec has failed Kenyans and we have moved a motion and the National Assembly for the first time is going to address this matter of gross incompetence by officers entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding standards of examination,” he told journalists in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The MP said Kenyans are concerned about reports of cheating, adding that high standards should be set and maintained in handling examinations.

The lawmaker, who is a member of the Parliament's Committee on Education, said people managing examinations should take responsibility over irregularities reported all over the country.

“If Knec has completely failed, we will seek alternative measures within the law,” he said.

The motion is already in the Speaker’s office and the MP said he would move it once it is approved.

Knec was created under an Act of Parliament and if the motion sails through, MPs would have to repeal the Act for the examination board to be disbanded.

Kibra MP Ken Okoth said teachers linked to cheating scams should be sacked.

“We want a new Knec with serious people managing it; they must give us credible examinations for the sake of the future of the children,” he said.

The MP also called for stiff penalties for those engaging in exams irregularities.

The two lawmakers were speaking to journalists after meeting Education Cabinet Secretary Education Jacob Kaimenyi and Knec officials, who had been summoned by the committee to explain alleged ongoing exam leakages.