The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has this evening dismissed allegations that Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examiners left marking centres without receiving payment, even as the marking of English Paper Two was briefly stopped at Mary Hill Girls’ High School over claims of delayed coordination allowances.
In a statement released on Sunday, KNEC said all examiners who had completed marking and exited marking centres had been fully paid their coordination fees. The council added that payments for specific papers—including Physics Paper Two, Biology Papers One, Two and Three, Agriculture Papers One and Two, Chemistry Paper Three and Computer Paper Two—had already been processed.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports that some KCSE examiners left marking centres without payment. We wish to clarify that all examiners who completed their marking and exited the centres have been fully paid,” KNEC said in the statement.
The clarification comes as a result of mounting concerns from examiners stationed at Mary Hill Girls’ High School.
More than 800 English Paper Two markers reportedly downed tools, citing delayed payment since reporting for duty on November 30.
According to the examiners, coordination allowances—meant to cover accommodation, meals, and daily logistics—are expected to be paid within five days of reporting. Several markers said the delay had caused financial strain and disrupted the marking process.
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“Many of us planned our finances around the assurance that payment would be made early, and the delay has made it difficult to continue working effectively.”
Some examiners further alleged that the problem extended beyond English, claiming that colleagues marking other subjects, including Physics and Agriculture, had also left their centres without receiving their dues—an assertion KNEC disputes.
In its statement, KNEC has pointed that all examiners for all papers would be paid their coordination fees before leaving marking centres, reaffirming its commitment to timely payments and orderly conclusion of the exercise.
“KNEC remains committed to quality educational assessment and credible certification, and all examiners will receive their coordination fees before exiting the marking centres,” the council said.
The KCSE 2025 marking exercise began three weeks ago and is scheduled to conclude on Monday, December 15.
While KNEC maintains that marking timelines remain intact, any prolonged disruption could place pressure on the council’s schedule for processing and releasing results.
By Joseph Mambili
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