Members of the National Assembly Education Committee have raised concern over the lack of funding for national examinations in the proposed 2025/26 budget.
The lawmakers were shocked to learn that no funds had been allocated for the administration and invigilation of key national assessments, including the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KEPSEA), Junior Secondary School (JSS) exams, and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who appeared before the Committee to defend his ministry’s budget estimates, was unable to explain the omission.
Committee Chairperson Julius Melly, the MP for Tinderet, termed the situation a serious oversight, stressing that national exams are predictable and vital for the education system.
“Exams take place at the end of every year. Summative exams must happen, yet your budget has zero allocation. Why are exams missing?” Melly questioned. “Even the CEO of KNEC is not here. As a Committee, we need answers.”
Narok MP Rebecca Tonkei questioned the Ministry’s planning, saying it was unacceptable to exclude such a critical function. “Exams happen every year. Why didn’t the Ministry plan ahead?” she asked.
Nyamira MP Jerusha Momanyi added, “What is wrong with our children’s exams? Is Treasury trying to scrap exams or is it signaling parents to start paying exam fees?”
The Committee also criticized the Ministry over the failure to implement a 2023 presidential directive requiring schools to release certificates held due to unpaid fees. Teso South MP Mary Emaase said many students are still being denied their certificates, locking them out of job opportunities and further education.
PS Bitok acknowledged the funding gaps and promised to hold discussions with the National Treasury and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to resolve the issue.
“We are in talks with the Treasury to address this matter. We assure the public that a solution will be found,” said Bitok.
Nehemiah Odera, a representative from the National Treasury, also struggled to justify the lack of exam funding. The Committee noted that the education budget had already been slashed by Sh62 billion.
In response, the Committee has demanded a revised budget and summoned KNEC officials to appear and explain how the national exams will be conducted without funding.
The Education Committee is also set to meet with officials from the State Department for TVET, Higher Education, and Science, Research and Innovation on the 2025/26 budget proposals on Wednesday.
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