The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is grappling with a significant funding shortfall of Sh6.7 billion as it prepares to administer the 2026 national examinations and assessments for more than 3.6 million learners nationwide.

Despite receiving Sh9.9 billion in the current financial year, KNEC estimates it requires Sh16.6 billion to cover costs for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and School-Based Assessments under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.

The funding gap has raised alarms over the council's ability to efficiently conduct exams amid rising expenses related to printing, logistics, security, and payments to contracted personnel involved in the exercise.

Exam Registration and Preparations

  • KNEC is set to administer exams for 3,634,846 candidates: 1,380,463 for KPSEA, 1,206,028 for KJSEA, and 1,048,355 for KCSE.
  • Candidate registration data has been validated and verified, paving the way for secure printing and distribution of exam materials.
  • The council plans to gradually introduce paperless examinations to reduce costs and modernize the assessment system.

Financial Challenges and Pending Bills

KNEC is also carrying a Sh2.57 billion pending bill from the previous financial year, which it intends to settle as a priority once funds become available.

The State Department for Basic Education had initially requested Sh12.7 billion for exams and invigilation but was allocated only Sh5.9 billion. After settling previous arrears, the council's effective funds were further reduced, exacerbating the funding deficit.

Efforts to Clear Delayed Payments

Recently, KNEC received Sh4.9 billion from the National Treasury to clear outstanding payments to invigilators, centre managers, security personnel, and other contracted staff from the 2025 exams. The council aims to complete these payments promptly, ending delays that previously threatened exam preparations.

Chief Executive David Njengere confirmed the payments would be finalized by Friday following the disbursement.

Government Support

Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa assured the National Assembly Education Committee that the ministry will continue to seek additional resources to support KNEC's mandate.

He emphasized the importance of timely and adequate funding for the smooth administration of national examinations.