The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled new pay rates for supervisors and invigilators involved in the administration of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams. The pay adjustments are set to apply to the 2024 exam season, affecting thousands of teachers who play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of these national assessments.
KCSE Supervisors to Earn Ksh 10,880
For KCSE, the pay scale has been revised, with supervisors now set to receive Ksh 680 per day for their services. Given the 16-day exam period, this translates to a total of Ksh 10,880. This is an increase that acknowledges the long hours and the responsibility placed on these individuals in overseeing the smooth running of examinations in secondary schools across the country.
KCSE Invigilators to Receive Ksh 8,160
In a similar adjustment, invigilators for the KCSE exams will earn Ksh 510 per day. For the entire 16-day period, this means that invigilators will take home Ksh 8,160. Their role, although different from supervisors, is equally crucial in ensuring fairness and adherence to examination protocols. Invigilators monitor students to prevent cheating and maintain order within the exam rooms.
KPSEA Supervisors to be Paid Ksh 1,530
Supervisors for the KPSEA, the national assessment for primary school learners, will also receive Ksh 510 per day. However, with the KPSEA exams only running for three days, supervisors are set to earn Ksh 1,530 for their services. The shorter duration reflects the relatively smaller scale of the primary school assessments compared to the KCSE.
Reactions from Teachers and Education Stakeholders
The revised pay rates have sparked mixed reactions from teachers’ unions and education stakeholders. While some have welcomed the increase, others argue that the pay still falls short of adequately compensating teachers for the level of responsibility they bear. The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) have previously lobbied for better pay and working conditions for teachers involved in national exams.
What’s Next for Teachers in 2024?
With the 2024 exam season fast approaching, the focus now shifts to ensuring the timely payment of supervisors and invigilators. In previous years, delays in remuneration have been a significant issue, leading to discontent among teachers. The KNEC has assured the public that it is working to streamline the payment process, ensuring that all involved in the administration of national exams are compensated promptly.
As the exam season draws nearer, all eyes will be on the KNEC to see whether these new rates will be sufficient to motivate the teachers and ensure the smooth administration of the national exams in Kenya.
