We are given the equation of the parabola:
\[
y^2 - kn + 8 = 0
\]
Step 1: Standard form of a parabola
The standard equation of a parabola is \( y^2 = 4ax \), where \( a \) is the distance from the vertex to the focus.
Step 2: Equate the given equation to standard form
Comparing the given equation \( y^2 - kn + 8 = 0 \) with \( y^2 = 4ax \), we see that \( kn = 4a \).
Thus, we find \( k = \frac{1}{8} \).
Step 3: Conclusion
The value of \( k \) is \( \frac{1}{8} \), corresponding to option (a).