The Ministry of Education has announced a major shift in how student data is managed across Kenya, unveiling the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) as the replacement for the much-criticised National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
Education PS Prof. Julius Bitok revealed that KEMIS will pilot in July, with full implementation set for September 2025. The system will consolidate all education data — from ECDE to university — into one integrated platform, aimed at improving planning, accountability, and resource allocation.
“This rollout marks a turning point in education planning,” said Prof. Bitok. “KEMIS will eliminate ghost learners and schools by ensuring accurate, real-time data.”
The platform will feature a mobile phone-accessible interface for parents and stakeholders. It also aims to streamline the distribution of teachers, books, capitation, and monitor student transitions.
KEMIS is backed by a multi-agency team including tech providers, development partners, and key ministries. It will also link with civil registration to assign every student a Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) from birth to death, enhancing tracking and planning.
Immigration PS Dr. Belio Kipsang emphasized that the UPI will support lifecycle data management through the Maisha ecosystem.
Despite recent uproar in Parliament over budget cuts that threaten KEMIS and national exams, lawmakers led by Education Committee Chair Julius Melly pledged legislative support. “Accurate data drives accurate budgets,” Melly stated.
KEMIS promises to usher in a new era of data-driven governance in Kenya’s education sector.
