Ex-KNEC Chief Wins Big in Wrongful Suspension Row

Former Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) CEO, Joseph Kivilu, has been awarded Ksh10 million over wrongful suspension following claims of examination malpractices during his tenure.

Kivilu had been accused of involvement in the examination malpractices which included leakages during the 2015 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams – claims he disputed. 

Kivilu told the court that he was suspended over the claims but later tendered his resignation adding that he suffered a mental anguish that pushed him to the edge.

Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) house along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi.

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Further, he alleged that the suspension and the accusations ruined his professional and financial life.

KNEC, however, defended itself stating that the institution had to wait until investigations were concluded by police and hence could not interrupt the process. 

Justice Maureen Onyango ruled in favour of the former KNEC boss noting that the institution did not follow due process while issuing the suspension. 

“I have further taken into account the anguish of the claimant (Kivilu) in the award of maximum compensation to cater for the improprieties that bedeviled his disciplinary process,” the Judge ruled.

KNEC was directed to pay Kivilu Ksh6.2 million as compensation, Ksh1.75 million for accumulated leave days and a further Ksh1.56 million in three months’ pay for not issuing him with a notice.