Teachers across the country have threatened to boycott the administration of the 2026 national examinations unless the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) addresses concerns over payments and working conditions for teachers engaged in the exercise.
The teachers are demanding improved remuneration and better working conditions, warning that failure by Knec to address their grievances could disrupt the management of this year’s national examinations.
The standoff raises concerns over the smooth administration of the examinations, which require the participation of thousands of teachers in various roles, including invigilation, supervision and coordination.
The teachers want Knec to review the payments offered to examination officials and improve the conditions under which they carry out their duties.
A potential boycott could put pressure on the examinations council to resolve the dispute before the examinations proceed further.
However, it remains unclear whether Knec has responded to the teachers’ demands or initiated negotiations to avert a possible disruption.
The unfolding dispute places the focus on the welfare of teachers involved in national examinations and the measures needed to ensure the exercise proceeds without interruption.
