- Thousands of teachers who marked 2025 national exams remain unpaid months later.
- Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) faces mounting pressure from unions and lawmakers.
- Pending payments are estimated at KSh 2.7 billion.
- Education CS Julius Ogamba blames National Treasury cash flow challenges.
- Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers warns of possible boycott of future marking.
Frustration is rising among teachers contracted by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) after months of delayed payments for marking the 2025 national examinations.
The issue has sparked national concern, drawing scrutiny from unions, lawmakers, and education stakeholders who are demanding urgent government intervention. Affected examiners say they are yet to receive allowances totaling approximately KSh 2.7 billion, describing the delay as both unusual and financially straining.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba attributed the crisis to cash flow challenges at the National Treasury, noting that efforts are ongoing to release the funds. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok confirmed that the matter has been escalated to William Ruto, with assurances that payments could be processed before the end of May.
Despite these promises, anger continues to grow among teachers, many of whom say the delay has disrupted their livelihoods and undermined trust in the system.
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers has issued a stern warning, indicating that teachers may boycott future examination marking if the outstanding dues are not settled. Union officials argue that educators are being forced to shoulder additional costs, including mandatory training, without guarantees of payment.
The controversy has also reignited debate over education funding. Although Kenya’s education sector received over KSh 700 billion in the 2025/26 budget, only a small portion was initially allocated for examinations, raising questions about planning and resource distribution.
Further complicating matters are recent audit concerns over “ghost learners,” which have intensified scrutiny on how public education funds are managed.
The standoff has now reached Parliament, where legislators are demanding accountability from both KNEC and the Ministry of Education. As the government races against time to meet its end-of-month payment promise, thousands of examiners remain in limbo—waiting to see if action will
finally match assurances.
