A new chapter in Kenya’s education sector begins today with the launch of the Educational Assessment Resource Centre (EARC) a national initiative by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) aimed at overhauling how schools approach testing and performance evaluation.
Located at the New Mitihani House in South C, the EARC is set to become a hub for modern, data-driven training on educational assessments. From psychometrics and test design to digital tools and quality assurance, the centre will offer a wide range of hands-on, practical courses tailored for teachers, examiners, and school administrators.
What sets this centre apart is its shift away from traditional grading mindsets. KNEC CEO David Njengere described the facility as a game-changer in the country’s evolving education system.
“We want educators to see assessment not just as a measure of performance, but as a tool to drive learning and shape instruction,” Njengere said during the unveiling. “This centre will enable them to engage directly with real data and real-world scenarios.”
The EARC’s programs are designed with Kenya’s ongoing transition to competency-based learning in mind. Every course will focus on practical skills, ensuring that those who undergo training can confidently apply what they learn in their classrooms and institutions.
Beyond teachers and examiners, the centre is also targeting school leadership. One standout offering, “Demystifying Educational Assessments: A Leadership Perspective,” is designed specifically for principals, deputy principals, and heads of departments. The course will empower leaders to interpret assessment data more effectively and use it to drive school-wide improvement.
As Kenya works to modernise its education system, the EARC is positioning itself as a critical engine for that transformation putting the tools of effective, evidence-based assessment into the hands of those shaping the next generation.
