A new chapter in Kenya’s education system is set to begin with the unveiling of a national training centre that redefines how assessments are understood not just by teachers, but by school leaders and even parents.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is today launching the Educational Assessment Resource Centre (EARC) a state-of-the-art facility located at the New Mitihani House in South C, Nairobi. The centre aims to equip stakeholders across the education spectrum with hands-on training in modern, data-driven assessment methods.
From constructing competency-based tests and applying psychometric principles, to mastering digital tools and ensuring quality assurance, EARC will offer intensive, practical courses that mirror real-world classroom and exam scenarios.
“This isn’t just about grading students. It’s about using assessment as a tool to enhance teaching and drive meaningful learning,” said KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere. “We want educators to approach assessments with the same rigour and purpose they apply to instruction.”
But the impact of EARC won’t stop at teachers.
Recognising the critical role of school leadership, KNEC has rolled out a tailored course for principals, deputies, and heads of departments. Titled “Demystifying Educational Assessments: A Leadership Perspective,” the programme helps school heads break down test data and use it to shape school performance strategies. Leaders will also explore how assessments are designed, validated, and how to build trust in the process.
In an unprecedented move, parents and guardians are also being brought into the fold. A specially designed half-day course will walk parents through how assessments are structured, how fairness is maintained, and what their children’s results really mean.
“Parents often feel in the dark when it comes to exams. By offering this course, we want to make them active partners in their children’s education,” Njengere said.
All EARC programmes will award participants with nationally recognised professional certificates, boosting their credentials while empowering them with real-world skills.
As Kenya continues its shift towards competency-based education, this initiative could prove to be a game-changer creating a more informed, collaborative, and transparent culture around assessments.
Whether you’re a teacher marking scripts, a principal analysing test trends, or a parent anxious about results EARC is here to put the power of understanding in your hands.
