The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) new CEO is Dr. David Njeng’ere who takes over from Mercy Karogo who served in an acting capacity since 2016. He took office on June 9 and will serve until July 1, 2021. Dr Njeng’ere has had an illustrious career spanning over 30 years. Prior to his new appointment, he was the education advisor to Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha.
Education
Dr David Njeng’ere is a man who has seriously chewed books. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Curriculum Design and Development, a Bachelor of Education in English and Literature, Masters in English and a PhD in Education and is also a Hubert Humphrey Fellow.
Career
He has shown that hard work pays. The KNEC CEO has taught in several secondary schools in Kenya for a period of seven years. He was a delegate and chair of the East African Community Technical Committee on harmonization of curricula and education systems. He has also been a resource person in programmes run by UNESCO on curriculum design and development. Before taking his role as George Magoha adviser on matters education, he was Deputy Director of both the KNEC and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. A statement on his appointment today (June 09 2021) by KNEC chairman Dr. John Onsati reads:
“Upon completing all necessary recruitment procedures, and following the following the due process, the Council is proud to announce that Dr.David Njeng’ere Kabita has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of KNEC..”
The new kid on the block has co-authored a secondary school coursebook titled Head Start English series. He has also authored several class readers.
Responsibilities
The CEO has his work cut out. He knows the ins and outs of the council and the work that has been put to end exam cheating that was very rampant. The statement from KNEC chairman sums up what is expected of him:
“He will be tasked with spearheading the transformative gains the Council has made in examinations management, especially in the reforms that ended the leakage of national examination and restored credibility and integrity in national examinations in Kenya….”