- KNUT has threatened to boycott the 2026 national examinations unless KNEC clears all outstanding allowances owed to teachers who served as invigilators, supervisors and centre managers.
- Oyuu has directed union members to withhold participation in examination duties until pending payments are settled, citing dignity and contractual obligation.
- The standoff has reignited concerns over recurring delays in payment of examination officials
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) threatened to withdraw its members from examination duties unless the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) clears all outstanding allowances owed to teachers who have previously served as invigilators, supervisors and centre managers.
Speaking on behalf of the union, KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu issued a strong warning, directing union members not to participate in the administration of the 2026 national examinations until all pending payments are settled. He argued that teachers have continued to shoulder critical examination responsibilities despite enduring repeated delays in receiving their rightful compensation.
Oyuu stressed that examination administration is a demanding responsibility requiring integrity, commitment, and long hours, making prompt payment both a contractual obligation and a matter of respect for the profession.
“The dignity of teachers must be protected. We cannot continue asking our members to supervise and invigilate national examinations when those who served before them have not been paid,” he declared.
According to KNUT, many teachers who participated in previous examinations are yet to receive allowances despite repeated assurances. Some incurred personal expenses such as transport and accommodation while discharging their duties, deepening frustration over the prolonged delays.
ALSO READ:
KUPPET threatens to boycott 2026 national exams over unpaid teacher allowances
Potential Impact on National Exams
The warning comes at a crucial time as schools intensify revision programmes and KNEC finalises logistical arrangements for the 2026 examinations. Any disruption involving teachers could significantly affect the smooth administration of the tests, which are central to learners’ progression through the education system.
Teachers play an indispensable role in the examination process, serving as invigilators, supervisors, centre managers, and security coordinators. Their participation is widely regarded as essential to maintaining the credibility and integrity of Kenya’s national assessment system.
The latest standoff has reignited concerns over recurring delays in payment of examination officials. In recent years, teachers have repeatedly complained that KNEC takes months to process allowances, sparking criticism from education stakeholders who argue that timely payment would boost morale and strengthen commitment.
Education analysts warn that if the dispute remains unresolved, urgent negotiations between KNUT, KNEC, and the Ministry of Education may be necessary to avert disruption. Attention now shifts to whether the government will respond to the union’s demands and resolve the payment dispute before the examination period begins.
By Hillary Muhalya
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
