Education Committee Raises Alarm Over Lack of Exam Funding in 2025/26 Budget
During a session on May 13, 2025, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok appeared before the committee to defend the ministry’s budget estimates.
**Caption:** Members of the National Assembly Education Committee have expressed concern over the absence of budget allocations for national examinations in the 2025/26 financial year. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
Members of the National Assembly Education Committee have expressed concern over the absence of budget allocations for national examinations in the 2025/26 financial year.
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Junior Secondary School (JSS), and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams have not been allocated funds, raising questions about their administration.
During a session on May 13, 2025, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok appeared before the committee to defend the ministry’s budget estimates.
He was unable to provide a clear explanation for the omission of exam funding. Committee Chairperson Julius Melly (Tinderet) highlighted the issue, stating, “Exams are activities that take place at the end of every year. Summative exams have to take place. But you have presented a budget with zero. Why is it not in the budget?”
Other committee members echoed these concerns. Hon. Rebecca Tonkei (Narok) questioned the ministry’s planning capacity, while Hon. Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira) asked if the Treasury intended to shift the burden of exam costs to parents.
PS Bitok acknowledged funding gaps and assured the committee that discussions with the National Treasury and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) were underway to address the issue.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the responses, noting that Ksh.62 billion had been slashed from the overall education budget. They have demanded a revised budget presentation and summoned KNEC officials to clarify how examinations will be administered without funding.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the implementation of a 2023 presidential directive requiring schools to release certificates withheld due to fee arrears. Hon. Mary Emaase (Teso South) noted that many schools were still holding onto certificates, denying learners their right to seek further education or employment.
The committee is scheduled to engage with the State Department on TVET, State Department on Higher Education, and State Department on Science, Research, and Innovation regarding the 2025/26 budget allocations.
About Author
