Ruto renews Julius Nyabundi's tenure as KNEC non-executive chair

KNEC chairperson Prof Julius Nyabundi speaks during the launch of the 2026 candidates resgistration on February 13, 2026. /KNEC

Prof Julius Nyabundi has been reappointed for a second four-year term as non-executive chairperson of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

The reappointment takes effect from March 13, President William Ruto announced in a gazette notice released on Friday.

The renewal of Nyabundi’s tenure was made alongside a series of other appointments across key government agencies and departments as part of ongoing efforts by the government to reorganise leadership in public institutions.

Nyabundi is a seasoned academician who previously served as Vice Chancellor of Maseno University, a position he held from 2016.

He also served as principal of Murang’a University College and managing director of Chemelil Sugar Company.

He was first appointed non-executive chairperson of KNEC in July 2022 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, with his tenure officially commencing on July 5, 2022.

Nyabundi succeeded John Osati, who had assumed the position in 2019 after his predecessor, the late George Magoha, was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Education.

He holds a PhD from the University of California and was conferred the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) in 2005 by the late President Mwai Kibaki in recognition of his contribution to the education sector.

His appointment to KNEC was credited to his passion for research. A renowned scholar, Nyabundi has published widely in refereed journals and presented papers at local and international conferences.

According to the Kenya National Examinations Council Act, the non-executive chairperson of the examination body provides strategic leadership, oversees the council’s affairs and safeguards the integrity of national examinations.

As a non-executive role, the chair focuses on policy oversight, advisory responsibilities to the government and stakeholder management, rather than daily operations, which are handled by the chief executive officer.

Among Nyabundi’s immediate tasks following his initial appointment was to lead the preparation and management of the inaugural Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), administered in Grade Six at the end of pre-primary education.

He will continue working alongside KNEC chief executive David Njengere, whose five-year tenure is scheduled to end on June 30, 2026.

Njengere assumed office on July 1, 2021.

Speaking during the launch of the 2026 registration of candidates on February 13, Prof Nyabundi said the council was committed to ensuring successful conduct of the assessments and KCSE examination.

He called on school heads, principals and the institutions they lead to support the council toward the successful delivery of that mandate.

"I do hope that the associations represented here will mobilise the heads of institutions, learners and parents towards the achievement of 100 per cent registration of all the candidates; accuracy and timeliness as well as integrity in the conduct of our roles," he said.