Education in Jeopardy as Govt Fails to Fund National Exams
A major education crisis looms as the government allocates zero funds for national exams, raising fears parents may have to pay. MPs expressed outrage over the Ksh.62 billion budget shortfall. Key areas like quality assurance and teacher hiring also received no funding.
A looming education crisis has sparked national concern after revelations that the government has allocated zero shillings for national examination registration and supervision. The shocking disclosure was made during a presentation to the National Assembly’s Education Committee, exposing a massive Ksh.62 billion shortfall in the education budget.
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) had requested Ksh.12.5 billion for exams, but not a single cent was approved. Committee Chairperson Julius Melly questioned the seriousness of the Treasury, while MPs like Nyamira Woman Rep Jerusha Momanyi voiced fears that parents may now be forced to shoulder the cost of exams for their children.
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok assured lawmakers that talks with the Treasury were ongoing, but his response was deemed unsatisfactory. Legislators expressed frustration, particularly as other critical areas like quality assurance, KEMI modernization, and the employment of 20,000 intern teachers were also left unfunded.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has already reported a deficit of Ksh.5.7 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year, warning of an inability to absorb intern teachers permanently. The unprecedented budget cuts cast doubt on the governments commitment to supporting a robust and equitable education system.
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