On Friday, 23 January 2026, President William Ruto made a historic declaration: police officers will no longer manage national examinations in kenya.
Speaking at a public forum, Ruto explained that exams should be treated as part of the learning process, as events requiring heavy security.
"Exams are part of learning. They must not be a life and death issue,” Ruto said, emphasizing that students deserve a stress-free environment to demonstrate their skills.
This announcement instantly sparked discussions across the education sector, with parents, teachers, and county education officials reflecting on what the change would mean for exam administration.With police officers stepping back, the responsibility for overseeing national tests will fall to educators, school administrators, and examination officials, including the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and county education directors.
These professionals will handle logistics, supervision, and safeguarding exam materials.
Previously, police were involved in escorting exam papers, monitoring exam centers, and ensuring security.The directive applies nationwide, from urban high schools in Nairobi to rural institutions across the counties.
Schools will now rely on internal staff and education officials to maintain the integrity of exams. According to Ruto, preparations are already underway to ensure smooth operations without police presence.
This change aligns with Kenya’s ongoing Competency-Based Education (CBE) reforms, which focus on evaluating learners on knowledge, skills, and abilities rather than creating a high-pressure, exam-only environment.By relying on educational staff rather than law enforcement, the government aims to promote a culture where exams are about learning, not intimidation.
Ruto also hinted at a future where exams will be more inclusive and student-focused, encouraging educators to innovate and handle exam administration responsibly.
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