Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced that the Supplementary Budget has been passed, paving the way for the release of funds to address pending payments and other urgent obligations within the education sector.
Speaking last night at Kisii University in a live address broadcast across Gusii media stations ahead of President William Ruto’s visit to the region, Ogamba acknowledged delays in payments and apologised to those affected.
“The supplementary budget has been passed. We now have the resources. We apologise for the delays,” he said.
The CS specifically addressed concerns surrounding payments at the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), confirming that casual staff and drivers who were engaged during the examination period have already received their dues.
However, he noted that the main officials who oversaw the exercise are yet to be paid.
“KNEC has paid their casual staff and drivers, but the main officials have not been paid. We are looking for the exchequer next week,” Ogamba stated.
The delay in payments to examination officials has in recent weeks sparked anxietyu among teachers and education stakeholders, with many calling for swift intervention from the government.
Ogamba assured stakeholders that the ministry is working closely with the National Treasury to secure the exchequer release next week to settle the outstanding payments.
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The remarks come at a time when the government is under pressure to streamline operations in the education sector and ensure timely facilitation of national examinations and related activities.
President Ruto is expected to tour the Gusii region, where development projects and service delivery will be key highlights of his visit.
By Philip Koech
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