The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has a funding gap of Sh7.2 billion while it administers the largest examination season in its history. More than 3.6 million learners are sitting national examinations and assessments under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, and the Ministry of Education has asked the National Treasury for extra money.
How the Sh7.2 billion is made up
The gap has two parts: an estimated Sh4.82 billion shortfall in KNEC’s budget requirement and about Sh2.38 billion in payments carried forward from the previous financial year.
The budget figures were set out in documents presented to the National Assembly Education Committee in May. They showed KNEC needed Sh14.72 billion for national examinations and assessments, against an estimated annual expenditure of Sh9.9 billion.
| Examination or assessment | Requirement (Sh) |
|---|---|
| KCSE | 9.496 billion |
| KJSEA | 3.92 billion |
| KPSEA | 1.16 billion |
| Stage-based and school-based assessments | 144.69 million |
| Total | about 14.72 billion |
The calculation: Sh14.72 billion required, minus Sh9.9 billion of estimated expenditure, gives a Sh4.82 billion shortfall. Adding the Sh2.38 billion carried forward gives Sh7.2 billion.
Why examination costs are rising
KNEC has announced that 3,634,846 candidates sit examinations and assessments between 16 October and 20 November 2026:
| Examination | Candidates |
|---|---|
| KPSEA | 1,380,463 |
| KJSEA | 1,206,028 |
| KCSE | 1,048,355 |
This is the first year KCSE candidature has passed one million, with candidates sitting at more than 10,600 centres. More candidates mean higher costs for printing, transport, security, invigilators and supervisors, and examiners’ pay. The KCSE examination runs until 20 November 2026.
What the Education CS has said
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the Ministry has asked the National Treasury for additional money through the supplementary budget. He attributed the deficit to inadequate allocations from the Exchequer, saying the Ministry has not received enough resources to meet KNEC’s requirements.
Heavy rains, flooding and insecurity in some examination areas have added logistical difficulties.
Concerns from teachers’ unions and parents
KUPPET Chairman Omboko Milemba said the government should prioritise funding KNEC so that teachers and other examination officials are paid. KUPPET Secretary-General Akelo Misori questioned how KNEC can manage its growing responsibilities on inadequate allocations.
National Parents Association Chairman Silas Obuhatsa said the cost of examinations must not be shifted to parents. He said financing national examinations is the government’s responsibility.
KNEC is using digital smart padlocks, surveillance systems and decentralised storage. More than 653 examination storage centres have been set up across the country.
What to watch next
The Ministry’s request for extra funds is with the National Treasury. Payment of examiners, supervisors and invigilators is the area unions have raised. KNEC publishes its official updates on its website and verified social media channels.