Kenya Unveils Next-Gen Education Data System to Boost Accuracy, Transparency, and Public Access

NAIROBI, Kenya – June 4, 2025
In a bold stride toward education sector modernization, the Ministry of Education has announced the rollout of a powerful new digital platform—the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS)—set to replace the current National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).

This landmark upgrade is part of sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing data accuracy, efficiency in resource planning, and systemic accountability across all tiers of the education system.

From ECDE to University: A Unified Digital Education Framework

Speaking at the launch event, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Julius Bitok, emphasized that KEMIS is designed to provide a fully integrated, end-to-end data platform, connecting Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers, primary and secondary schools, technical institutions, and universities under a single, intelligent ecosystem.

“KEMIS is more than a database—it’s the digital backbone of a smarter, more transparent education system,” said Dr. Bitok. “It will allow us to eliminate inefficiencies, improve funding accuracy, and better track every learner’s journey.”

Cracking Down on Ghost Schools and Data Fraud

One of the key goals of the new system is to address long-standing credibility gaps in the sector, including “ghost schools” and inflated student enrollment figures that have drained public resources and undermined accountability.

By offering real-time analytics, cross-checking capabilities, and advanced verification tools, KEMIS is expected to revolutionize how the ministry tracks school and student data, thus ensuring that resources go where they are truly needed.

Mobile Access for Parents and the Public

In a significant step toward transparency and citizen engagement, KEMIS will feature a dedicated mobile application—allowing parents, guardians, and education stakeholders to access important school data and student records on-the-go. From enrollment status to school performance and infrastructure data, the app will act as a digital window into the education system, promoting community participation and oversight.

“This is a tool that brings the power of information directly to the people,” Dr. Bitok added. “Parents will no longer be left in the dark about what’s happening in their children’s schools.”

Pilot Phase Set for July

The system will enter a pilot phase in July, with select counties testing the new platform ahead of national rollout later in the year. Education officials believe that lessons from the pilot phase will fine-tune the system’s user experience and functionality.

As Kenya embraces KEMIS, the education ministry hopes to lay the groundwork for a 21st-century education ecosystem—one where data is trusted, accessible, and used to shape policies that put learners first.