Busia Senator Omtatah seeks disclosure of KNEC exam printing tender
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.
Nairobi, Kenya – Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has requested the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to disclose information regarding the procurement process utilized for printing 2026 national examination materials. This request stems from the need for increased transparency in how public funds are utilized. Omtatah sent a letter to KNEC's Chief Executive Officer on August 20, asking for details about the tendering process for KCSE, KJSEA, and KPSEA examination materials.
Concerns have been raised about the procurement contract, with KNEC and the State Department for Basic Education claiming some details are exempt due to national security concerns. Omtatah is asking for specific information, including the tender number, procurement method, number of participating firms, evaluation criteria, and details of the successful bidder.
He also seeks the contract value, approved budget, amount paid or committed, and the contract's duration and scope. Omtatah acknowledges the significance of protecting the confidentiality, security, and integrity of national examinations but argues that national security should not serve as a blanket excuse for withholding public procurement information.
He also questions the successful bidder's capacity and ownership, whether they are a Kenyan or foreign company, and if any subcontractors are involved. The request also seeks information on tax compliance, asking whether KNEC verified the bidder's tax status with the Kenya Revenue Authority before the contract was awarded. This request is linked to public reports about Inform Lykos (SA) Hellas Ltd, a Greek company previously tied to printing Kenya's national examinations and ballot papers, and KRA's scrutiny of potential tax liabilities.
The senator emphasizes that his request does not involve sensitive information that could compromise examination security, such as exam content, security features, secure locations, or operational arrangements. Instead, he wants KNEC to identify what information is being withheld and the legal basis for any exemptions, while releasing what is not legally protected.
Omtatah has cited Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016, urging KNEC to respond within the statutory timeframe. This request is particularly pertinent as KNEC prepares for the 2026 national examination cycle, making the procurement of printing and distribution services a matter of public interest due to the substantial expenditure involved and the need to maintain the examinations' integrity.
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