NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 27 – Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has asked the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to disclose details of the procurement process used to print the 2026 national examination materials, citing the need for greater transparency in the use of public funds.
In a letter to KNEC Chief Executive Officer dated August 20, Omtatah sought information on the tendering process for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) materials.
The request comes after concerns were raised over the procurement of the examination printing contract, with KNEC and the State Department for Basic Education previously indicating that some information could not be disclosed on national security grounds.
Omtatah is seeking the tender number, procurement method, number of participating firms, evaluation criteria and details of the successful bidder. He also wants KNEC to disclose the contract value, approved budget, amount paid or committed and the duration and scope of the contract.
“I fully appreciate the importance of protecting the confidentiality, security and integrity of national examinations,” Omtatah said in the letter.
He, however, argued that national security should not be used as a blanket justification for withholding information relating to public procurement.
The senator has also questioned the capacity and ownership of the successful bidder, seeking clarification on whether it is a Kenyan or foreign company and whether any subcontractors are involved.
The request further seeks information on tax compliance, including whether KNEC verified the successful bidder’s tax status with the Kenya Revenue Authority before awarding the contract.
Omtatah linked the request to public reports concerning Inform Lykos (SA) Hellas Ltd, a Greek company previously associated with the printing of Kenya’s national examinations and ballot papers, and reports of scrutiny by KRA over alleged tax liabilities.
The senator said his request does not seek sensitive information that could compromise examination security, including examination content, security features, secure locations or operational arrangements.
He instead wants KNEC to identify specific information being withheld and provide the legal basis for any exemption, while releasing portions that are not legally protected.
“The information sought concerns the expenditure and administration of public resources and the exercise of public functions by a public body.”
The senator has invoked Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016, and asked KNEC to respond within the statutory period.
The request comes as KNEC prepares for the 2026 national examination cycle, making procurement of printing and distribution services a matter of public interest given the scale of expenditure and the need to safeguard the integrity of the examinations.
