Parents with children in private schools will start paying for national exams from next year, as the government begins phasing out the waiver that has funded assessments for over a decade.

The change, announced during the 2025–26 budget reading, marks the first step in shifting exam-related costs to families considered able to pay, starting with those in non-public schools.

Learners in private schools will be required to pay for exams including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).

While it remains unclear whether they will bear the full cost, Treasury has confirmed that the plan targets parents who can afford to contribute.

Sources within the Ministry of Education say the government is also considering assessing the financial status of parents in public schools, which could further expand the cost-sharing model and end full government sponsorship introduced during Fred Matiang’i’s tenure.

Currently, the state pays about Sh7,200 per candidate to cover expenses such as printing, invigilation, storage, and logistics. However, the Treasury says this model is no longer sustainable.

Last year’s exam funding came through a supplementary budget, and this year’s allocation only materialised after MPs pressured Treasury to redirect capitation funds.

Speaking in Parliament, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Mbadi confirmed that the Ministry of Education and the Treasury are working on a long-term plan for exam financing.

“The National Treasury is in consultation with the Ministry of Education on how best to achieve this at a minimum cost, including evaluating possible cost-sharing mechanisms.

I assure the public and the 2025 examination candidates of our commitment to provide adequate funding for the 2025 national examinations,” Mbadi said.

He also assured that vulnerable learners would continue receiving full state support.

However, the plan has sparked widespread criticism from private schools, parents, and teachers. The Kenya Private Schools Association said it unfairly punishes poor learners enrolled in private institutions through sponsorships.

“Some of the learners in private schools come from underprivileged backgrounds and are only able to attend through scholarships and sponsorships.

This plan risks locking them out and unfairly disadvantaging them simply because they are in private institutions,” said the association’s chairman, Charles Ochome.

The National Parents Association warned the move could raise dropout rates and deepen inequality.

“This is madness. There has been no consultation or alternative provided for those who will not be able to pay for their registration.

Are we saying candidates in these families will not get the chance to take their examination?” asked chairman Silas Obuhatsa.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) also voiced concern that the change could undo progress made in expanding exam access.

“The government should explore alternative funding solutions rather than pushing the burden onto parents who are already grappling with multiple financial obligations,” said KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori.

If the new policy is implemented, the 2024 candidates will be the last to benefit from full government funding for national exams.