Members of Parliament (MPs)have raised alarm over government zero budget allocated to Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KEPSEA), Junior Secondary School (JSS), and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination preparation and invigilation 2025/26 national budget.
The MPs who are Members of the National Assembly Education Committee termed the failure to allocate funds for the crucial exercise a glaring omission in a sector where summative national exams are predictable and essential.
PS Julius Bitok who appearing before the Committee to defend his Ministry’s budget estimates admitted there were funding gaps and promised to consult with the Treasury and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to address the matter.
“We assure the public that we are discussing with National Treasury to ensure that we address this issue,” said PS Bitok.
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Committee Chairperson Julius Melly (Tinderet) said exams are activities that take place at the end of every year and should have an allocation.
“What is wrong with exams of our children? Does Treasury want to do away with exams or does it want to communicate to parents to start paying examination fees?” Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira) questioned.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the responses by the PS and National Treasury representative Nehemiah Odera and demanded more explanation on the same from concerned authorities.
The MP pointed out that Ksh.62 billion had been slashed from the overall education budget money that should run crucial activities.
They demanded a revised budget presentation and summoned KNEC officials to appear and clarify how the examinations will be administered in the absence of funding.
By Obegi Malack
obegimalack@gmail.com
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