Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has directed all Diploma teachers trainees currently preparing for national assessments in 2024 to have laptops.
A circular issued by KNEC addressed to all Principals of Diploma Teachers Training Colleges, it is now mandatory for trainee teachers to possess a laptop which are meant to facilitate the online assessment tests scheduled in this year( 2024).
- having a licensed Windows 10 version 22H2 and above
- Have a 14-inch screen with a minimum resolution of 1920×1080
- Have an integrated webcam,
- Have a 256GB SSD or HDD
- Have an 8GB memory,
- Have Core i3 generation 6 and above
- Have an internal battery lasting more than 3 hours
- have an IEEE 802.11 wireless capability specifically (ac, g, or n).
The above directive from KNEC on laptops presents financial challenge for diploma many trainee teachers that are already grappling with fee arrears .
It should also be remembered that there are also learners struggling with charges associated with the new training aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
After the KNEC CEO David Njengere released the notice, a lot of concerns arise stirred concerns among trainee teachers others saying that find it is burdensome to acquire the specified laptops.
The current estimated cost of the laptop is at least Ksh 24,000 for a refurbished device.
The council has also set a deadline for teacher trainees to acquire the laptops.
As per to the circular , all teacher trainees must have the specified laptops by 30th April 2024.
Knec warned those who fail to comply that may result in being barred from the assessments, which are vital for their certification.

Grade 5 pupils sit for mathematics paper during start of Kenya National Examinations Council ;IMAGE/FILE
The examination council emphasizes that all assessments for various Teacher Education courses in 2024 will be administered electronically through the Competency-Based Assessment and Testing Environment (CBATE) portal.
These include;
- Diploma in Primary Teacher Education
- Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education
- Upgrade Diploma in Primary Teacher Education
- Upgrade Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education
- Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education
The circular further urges Principals of Diploma Teacher Training Colleges to ensure adequate preparations for the assessment.
They are required to ensure that the required ICT infrastructure are in place for the effective administration of School Based Assessments (SBA) and also the Summative Assessments online, using the KNEC e-assessment portal.