The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) cautioned that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) might be unable to conduct examinations this year because of insufficient funding.
KUPPET stated on Wednesday July 10 that despite the examinations being just three months away, KNEC had not yet received any funding from the government.
Union officials report that currently, KNEC has no budget allocation from the National Treasury.
Media reports have further substantiated the claims, confirming that a circular issued on July 5 by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u identified at least 24 areas slated for budget reductions.
Examination and invigilation fees were completely waived in the specified areas.
Therefore, KUPPET cautioned that KNEC might consider canceling this year’s exams.
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Furthermore, KUPPET Chair Omboko Milemba pointed out that the examination body might consider requiring parents to pay additional fees to cover the costs of the exams.
“It means KNEC has two alternatives, either KNEC will not administer exams because they don’t have the budget. It is our business to flag that. And number two to charge the parents as they used to before,” said Omboko.
The Union also expressed concern that the education sector was uncertain about who would oversee the national exams adequate funding is not available.
Moses Nthurima, Deputy Secretary-General KUPPET, commented that the government had not provided clear guidance on the next steps following the implementation of the austerity measures.
“I don’t know whether the government wants to privatize the administration of exams or if they are going to administer it online,” added Nthurima.
By Frank Mugwe
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