KCSE exams start as schools struggle financially
Education
By
Mike Kihaki
| Oct 14, 2025
Secondary school students are set to begin a 10-week break this week as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) kicks off the administration of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination on Friday.
The break marks the end of the third term for most learners, but for examination candidates and their teachers, it is the start of a tense season shadowed by financial uncertainy.
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the government has only released funds to about 80 per cent of schools, leaving the rest struggling to prepare candidates for the national exams.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the ministry is still verifying school enrollment data before releasing the remaining allocations.
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“We are aware that some schools have not received their full capitation funds. The government is verifying the enrollment data to ensure accuracy before the disbursement of the remaining amounts,” Bitok said.
“This is necessary to seal loopholes and ensure that resources go to the right institutions.”
Head teachers have decried the delayed disbursement, saying it has crippled operations at a critical time when schools need funds for exam preparations, stationery, and meals for boarding students.
Education CS Julius Ogamba said the government will release the remaining funds as soon as possible.
He said the ministry’s verification process was necessary to address discrepancies found in school enrollment figures during a recent audit.
“We want to make sure that every coin sent to schools is accounted for and tied to actual learners. We have already sent funds to 80 per cent of the schools, and the rest will receive theirs in the coming days once verification is complete,” Ogamba said.
“Our goal is not to delay learning activities but to promote accountability and efficiency in funding.”
Despite the assurances, many head teachers are grappling with financial pressure as they wrap up the term and prepare their candidates for the examinations.
Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (Kessha) chairman Willy Kuria said some schools were forced to take short-term loans to sustain operations.
“Principals are in a very difficult position. The exams are here, and there are bills to pay, yet the funds have not reached some schools,” Kuria said.
According to the national exam timetable, KCSE exams will begin on Friday with practicals and oral papers, before written tests start the following week.
The assessments for Junior Secondary (Grade 9) and Grade 6 (Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, KPSEA) are scheduled to start in a week’s time.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) has said preparations are complete to ensure credible and smooth administration of the exams. Knec Chief Executive Officer David Njengere said the council had deployed examination materials, supervisors, and invigilators across all counties.
“We urge teachers, parents, and candidates to remain calm and focused,” said Dr. Njengere.
Education experts have urged the government to review the disbursement system to prevent recurrent funding delays that disrupt academic calendars and examinations.
Dr. Mercy Odhiambo, an education policy analyst, said the verification process should be automated to align with the National Education Management Information System (Nemis).
“Verification should not delay capitation. The government can audit after disbursement. With digital tools like Nemis, we should be able to confirm enrollment in real time without affecting school operations,” she said.
She added that school heads should also be trained in financial accountability to improve transparency in the use of public funds.