Sh5.9 billion reallocated to rescue national exams after public outcry

The National Assembly has responded to public concern by reallocating Sh5.9 billion to fund the administration of primary, junior, and secondary school national exams slated for September 2025.

This follows alarming budget proposals that left the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) without any funding for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

The Education Committee’s report to the Budget and Appropriations Committee highlights that the additional Sh5.9 billion will be sourced by reducing recurrent capitation allocations to junior schools by Sh2 billion, secondary schools by Sh3 billion, and primary schools by Sh900 million.

This is meant to cover examination administration and invigilation costs absent from the original budget.

The total amount required for the 2025 national exams is Sh12.58 billion, but the wider education budget presented for 2025/26 faces a staggering Sh62 billion shortfall, with zero allocations for crucial areas like examinations and invigilation.

The Education Committee had been firm that the exam funds must be restored before they could approve the budget report.

"We shall not write our report without the examination money," said committee chair Julius Melly, addressing Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.

Subsequently, PS Bitok was instructed to consult with the Treasury and submit an addendum restoring vital funding for exams, capitation, quality assurance, and school feeding programs.

Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi reassured stakeholders, stating, "There is a proposed increment of Sh5.9 billion for examination administration and invigilation for provision for national examinations which had not been provided in the budget."

He also indicated that the government would review how exam fees subsidies are structured but assured parents not to worry about funding.