Alarm as Government allocates zero for national exams
This has triggered panic among parents and leaders, who now fear that families might be forced to shoulder the cost of exam registration for learners in public schools.
A major crisis is unfolding in the education sector after it emerged that the government has allocated no funds for the registration and invigilation of national examinations, leaving thousands of learners at risk of missing this year’s tests.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education and Research, education officials confirmed that the Treasury had completely removed the budget for national exams.
This has triggered panic among parents and leaders, who now fear that families might be forced to shoulder the cost of exam registration for learners in public schools.
"There are certain activities that you tend to think they may be done or may not be done, but putting zero budget for exams, are we serious?" posed Committee Chairperson Julius Melly.
Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi added, “What is wrong with exams of our children? Does Treasury want to do away with exams, or does it want to communicate to parents to start paying examination fees?”
The concern comes in the wake of a Sh62 billion shortfall in the education sector budget. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok and Budget Officer Nehemiah Odera, who appeared before the committee, were unable to explain the decision but promised ongoing talks with the Treasury.
"We assure the public that we are discussing with National Treasury to ensure that we address this issue," said PS Bitok.
The committee, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation, pointing out that the Kenya National Examination Council had placed the annual requirement for exams and invigilation at Sh12.5 billion, while the Budget Policy Statement had cut this to Sh6 billion.
In the final budget, no money was allocated at all.
The problem extends beyond exams.
The budget has also left out funding for key areas such as Quality Assurance and Standards, despite the annual requirement of Sh600 million being captured in earlier budget proposals. Still, no money was assigned.
Another critical area that received no funding is the modernization of the Kenya Education Management System, which is meant to centralize and improve the management of education data at all levels.
In a related matter, the Teachers Service Commission reported that it is facing a deficit of Sh5.7 billion and is unable to permanently employ 20,000 intern teachers in the upcoming financial year.
