NAIROBI, Kenya- The government has finally responded to mounting pressure from exam professionals over delayed payments linked to the 2025 national examinations.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, has addressed growing concerns over unpaid allowances for professionals contracted to administer and mark this year’s national examinations.
In a press statement, the Ministry acknowledged complaints raised by supervisors, invigilators, security personnel, examiners and other contracted staff who participated in the 2025 examination cycle.
Budget Constraints Behind Delays
According to the Ministry, the delayed payments stem from budgetary and cash flow constraints affecting the timely release of funds.
The situation has disrupted the processing of allowances for professionals involved in administering the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment.
Ogamba said discussions with the National Treasury are ongoing.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Treasury, is actively working to resolve the matter and expedite the release of the requisite funds within the shortest time possible,” he stated.
He emphasized the critical role exam professionals play in ensuring the integrity and punctual conduct of national assessments.
Officials Demand Reforms
The statement comes after exam supervisors and professionals publicly raised alarm over what they described as routine delays in disbursement.
Some officials argued that arrears from previous years remain unsettled, raising concerns over systemic inefficiencies within the Kenya National Examinations Council disbursement processes.
Beyond delays, some professionals also questioned whether current payment rates adequately reflect the workload, pressure and responsibility involved in administering and marking national examinations.
Several cited financial hardship as a direct result of the prolonged delays and called for immediate intervention.
Commitment to Future Timeliness
While acknowledging the frustrations, Ogamba expressed appreciation for the patience and professionalism demonstrated by affected personnel.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding timely payments in future examination cycles, signaling possible administrative improvements once the current budgetary constraints are resolved.
For thousands of contracted exam workers across the country, however, the immediate concern remains clear: when the funds will hit their accounts.
