Chronic underfunding pushes examination body to the brink
Education
By
Mike Kihaki
| Mar 07, 2026
KNEC CEO David Njegere addresses school principals from Kisii and Nyamira Counties on KCSE preparedness at Kisii School on November 17, 2022. [File, Standard]
Members of Parliament have raised alarm over the financial sustainability of the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec).
They warned that without urgent reforms and a stable funding framework, the credibility and integrity of Kenya’s national examinations could be placed at risk.
The concern follows revelations that the examination body is struggling to meet its obligations as persistent underfunding threatens its capacity to administer national assessments for millions of learners across the country.
READ MORE
Agoa renewal offers new chance to redefine Africa's place in global trade
Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle
China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect
Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates
Kenya slashes dollar debt to record low as Chinese yuan gains ground
Government plans stricter laws to clean up tea sector
Tourism earnings hit record Sh500 billion as arrivals near 8m
Kakamega youth, women eye avocado export cash after skills training
Portable kitchen: Designer taps into space-saving trend
Kenya urged to pilot AI regulatory Sandbox in bid to lead Africa's digital future
Appearing before the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, Knec Chief Executive Officer David Njengere told MPs that the council is technically insolvent after years of chronic underfunding.
“We are funded through a grant principle rather than capitation, and this remains a major challenge for the council,” Dr Njengere said.
The committee warned that the existing funding structure leaves the examination body vulnerable and unable to plan effectively for the administration of national tests.
“It should be capitation per student sitting examinations. We must be firm that the government should not issue instructions that undermine this principle, because once you compromise the quality of examinations, you compromise the entire system,” said committee chair Wanami Wamboka.
Knec administers several critical national assessments, including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education(KCSE), the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (Kepsea) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment(KJSEA), alongside school-based assessments introduced under the Competency-Based Curriculum.
This year, nearly four million learners are expected to sit various national examinations between September and November, stretching the council’s logistical, financial and human resource capacity.
Yet the institution is grappling with a severe funding crisis. Knec had requested Sh12.58 billion to administer the 2025 examinations, but budget allocations fell far short, leaving a deficit estimated at nearly Sh6.8 billion.
Last year, the situation reached a crisis point when initial budget proposals allocated no funding for national examinations, forcing the government to rely on supplementary budgets to prevent a collapse of the system.
“In September 2025, the National Treasury communicated additional funding under Supplementary One amounting to Sh3.1 billion, leaving a deficit of Sh3.7 billion,” Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba told Parliament.
Although Parliament later approved Sh5.9 billion for examination administration, the council continues to face significant financial gaps.
The shortage has also affected thousands of teachers hired each year to supervise, invigilate and mark examination papers.
“In October 2025, KNEC engaged approximately 30,000 examiners for KCSE and 15,000 teachers for KJSEA. Regrettably, the council has yet to disburse about Sh2.7 billion owed to teachers as remuneration for their services,” said Emuhaya MP and chairman of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet), Omboko Milemba.
The crisis has revived debate over whether examination fees should be reintroduced to help support the administration of national assessments, a move supported by Usawa Agenda chief executive Emmanuel Manyasa.
MOST READ
- Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi
- China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi
- Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi