Education Cabinet Secretary Migosi Ogamba has moved to allay fears among parents and learners, affirming that no student will be charged examination fees despite a significant Sh62 billion funding gap in the national education budget.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Education, CS Ogamba acknowledged the financial crisis but clarified that the omission of exam funding was being urgently addressed. “Parents are not going to be required to pay examination fees,” he said. “It was an omission, and that omission is being attended to.”
Concerns had mounted earlier in the week after it emerged that no funds had been allocated for the administration of national exams, including invigilation and marking. This critical area requires a minimum of Sh12.5 billion to support candidates, especially those preparing for the inaugural Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
The situation has caused widespread anxiety across the education sector, with stakeholders fearing that key reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) could be disrupted. However, Ogamba assured the public that the government remains committed to equity and access in education, vowing that “no learner will be disadvantaged.”
Beyond exam funding, other areas of the education sector are also struggling. Junior secondary schools face a Sh14.7 billion capitation deficit, while the Free Primary Education programme is short of Sh1.2 billion. Additionally, no funds were allocated for quality assurance efforts, a crucial component in maintaining education standards.
CS Ogamba sought to downplay the impact of the cuts, noting that such financial constraints are not uncommon. “Sometimes the money is not enough, but we do go back and get the resources to ensure that the examination is done,” he said.
Despite these reassurances, unions, education lobbies, and lawmakers continue to call for urgent government action to fill the funding gaps. With national exams fast approaching, the fate of millions of learners—especially those in public schools—remains uncertain. The Ministry is now racing against time to secure emergency funds and safeguard recent gains in access and quality across Kenya’s education system.
