Prof Julius Nyabundi has been reappointed for a second four-year term as the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), President Ruto announced in a gazette notice on Friday. The renewal takes effect from March 13, reinforcing continuity in the strategic leadership of the examination body.
Nyabundi is a distinguished academic with a PhD from the University of California. He previously served as Vice Chancellor of Maseno University from 2016, principal of Murang’a University College, and managing director of Chemelil Sugar Company. He was first appointed KNEC non-executive chair in July 2022 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, succeeding John Osati, who held the position after the late George Magoha became Cabinet Secretary for Education.
The non-executive chair role involves providing policy oversight, strategic guidance, and safeguarding the integrity of national examinations, while day-to-day operations remain the responsibility of the KNEC chief executive officer. Nyabundi has been instrumental in leading preparations for key assessments, including the inaugural Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), administered at the end of pre-primary education. He will continue collaborating with KNEC chief executive David Njengere, whose term ends on June 30, 2026.
A recipient of the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) in 2005 for his contribution to education, Nyabundi has published extensively in refereed journals and presented research locally and internationally.
During the 2026 candidate registration launch on February 13, he called on school heads, principals, learners, and parents to support KNEC in achieving 100% registration, emphasizing accuracy, timeliness, and integrity in examinations. His reappointment is seen as a move to ensure stability and continued excellence in Kenya’s national examination system.
