KNEC Mandates Diploma Teacher Trainees to Acquire Laptops for 2024 Assessments: Financial Challenges Arise

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has mandated all Diploma teacher trainees participating in the 2024 national assessments to acquire a laptop for online assessment tests. The directive was communicated through a circular to Principals of Diploma Teacher Training Colleges. KNEC outlined eight minimum requirements for the laptops, and trainee teachers have until April 30, 2024, to procure the specified gadgets. Failure to comply may result in being barred from the assessments, crucial for certification. The cost of the required laptop is estimated to be at least sh 24,000, posing a financial challenge for trainee teachers, many of whom are already grappling with fee arrears and associated expenses related to the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).

RE: CONDUCT OF 2024 TEACHER EDUCATION ASSESSMENTS ON THE E-ASSESSMENT PORTAL

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) wishes to bring the following information to the attention of all Principals of Diploma Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs):

1.0 KNEC will be Conducting assessment in the following Teacher Education courses in the year 2024:

1.1 Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE);

1.2 Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE);

1.3 Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (UDPTE);

1.4 Upgrade Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (UDECTE); and

1.5 Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE).

2.0 All assessments shall be administered electronically through CBATE portal.

Principals are therefore requested to adequately prepare for the assessment by putting in place the required ICT Infrastructure for effective administration of School Based Assessments (SBA) and Summative Assessments online, using the KNEC e-assessment portal.

3.0 To facilitate the KNEC e-assessment process, all teacher trainees are required to have laptops with the following minimum specifications by 30th April, 2024:

3.1 Licenced Windows 10 version 22H2 and above;

3.2 14-inch screen (minimum resolution 1920×1080);

3.3 Integrated Webcam;

3.4 HDD 256gb SSD;

3.5 Memory 8gb;

3.6 Core i3 gen 6 above;

3.7 Internal Battery that can last for more than 3 hrs

3.8 IEEE 802.11 Wireless capability (ac,g or n).

4.0 All Principals of the registered Diploma Teacher Training Colleges should ensure availability of stable Internet connectivity and power supply.

DR. DAVID NJENGERE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL