KNEC to Receive Ksh9.9 Billion for 2026 KCSE, KPSEA and KCPE Exams

The government has allocated Ksh9.9 billion to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) in the 2026/2027 budget to support national examinations and payment of examination officials.

The money will help in running major national assessments, including the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

This is a big increase compared to the KSh5.9 billion that was allocated for exams in the previous 2025/2026 financial year.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi had earlier said the government was planning to review how national examination fees are funded.

According to Mbadi, the current system also supports candidates from private schools, yet some public school learners struggle to afford examination fees. He suggested that the subsidies should mainly benefit needy students in public schools.

The latest allocation comes at a time when many teachers and examination officials are still waiting to be paid for work done during the 2025 national exams.

Teachers have recently complained about delayed payments during nationwide demonstrations, saying the delays have affected them financially. Education and Treasury officials have blamed the delays on a lack of enough funds.

Last month, the Treasury released Ksh1.5 billion to KNEC to help clear part of the pending payments.

KNEC has since confirmed that the payment process has already started. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok also stated that the payments will be done in phases because of financial challenges.

Officials handling Teacher Training College (TTC) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) examinations, together with drivers and security officers, are among those being paid first.

However, many teachers who worked as supervisors, invigilators, examiners, and centre managers are yet to receive their money.

Despite the delays, KNEC has assured all affected staff that the pending payments will be cleared before the end of May.