𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐌 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐌 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓/𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐓
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
Members of the National Assembly Education Committee has raised alarm over the zero budget allocated to examination preparation and invigilation 2025/26 national budget.
Appearing before the Committee to defend his ministry’s budget estimates, PS Julius Bitok was unable to explain why the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KEPSEA), Junior Secondary School (JSS), and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations had been not been allocated funding.
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Julius Melly (Tinderet) expressed concern at the absence of examination allocations, terming it a glaring omission in a sector where summative national exams are predictable and essential.
“Exams are activities that take place at the end of every year. Summative exams have to take place. But you have presented a budget with zero. Why is it not in the budget?” Hon. Melly asked. “I don’t see the CEO of KNEC here either. As a Committee, we need answers.”
His sentiments were echoed by Hon. Rebecca Tonkei ( Narok), who questioned the Ministry’s planning capacity. “The fact remains that this is something that happens every year. Why are funds not set aside in this budget?” she posed.
Weighing in, Hon. Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira) asked “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 Committee further raised concern over the implementation of a presidential directive requiring schools to release certificates withheld due to fee arrears. Hon. Mary Emaase (Teso South) lamented that despite the directive issued in 2023, many schools were still holding onto certificates, denying learners their right to seek further education or employment.
PS Bitok admitted there were funding gaps and promised to consult with the Treasury and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to address the matter.
“We assure the public that we are discussing with National Treasury to ensure that we address this issue,” said PS Bitok.
National Treasury representative Mr. Nehemiah Odera was at pains to explain the anomaly.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the responses noting that Ksh.62 billion had been slashed from the overall education budget.
The Committee has demanded a revised budget presentation and summoned KNEC officials to appear and clarify how the examinations will be administered in the absence of funding.
Members of the Education Committee will engage State Department on TVET, State Department on Higher Education and State Department on Science, Research and Innovation on the 2025/26 Budget tomorrow.
