Parents won’t pay for national exams despite Sh62bn education budget deficit; CS Ogamba
Education Cabinet Secretary Migosi Ogamba has affirmed that parents will not be asked to shoulder the cost of national school examinations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migosi Ogamba has affirmed that parents will not be asked to shoulder the cost of national school examinations.
The CS made the remarks amid rising anxiety over a staggering Sh62 billion funding gap in the education budget.
The assurance comes just days after it emerged that no money had been allocated for school examinations and invigilation—a sector that requires at least Sh12.5 billion.
The revelation triggered widespread concern over the future of candidates set to sit crucial national assessments, including the inaugural Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
Before the National Assembly Committee on Education, CS Migosi downplayed fears of a looming crisis, stating that the ministry was already in talks with relevant stakeholders to address the shortfall.
“Parents are not going to be required to pay examination fees,” Migosi told the committee. “It was an omission, and that omission is being attended to. We are in discussions to ensure that it’s a standard.”
The CS further assured that the government remained committed to upholding equity in the education system, emphasising that “no learner will be disadvantaged” due to the financial hiccup.
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The exam funding gap is only one part of a broader fiscal crisis in the education sector.
Junior secondary schools are grappling with a Sh14.7 billion capitation deficit, while the Free Primary Education programme faces a Sh1.2 billion shortfall.
No funds were allocated for quality assurance, a key component in monitoring educational standards and compliance.
“That is normal in the sector,” said Migosi, seeking to downplay the severity of the cuts. “Sometimes the money is not enough, but we do go back and get the resources to ensure that the examination is done.”
Despite the reassurances, education stakeholders and critics have not held back, warning that the cuts could derail key reforms, especially under the Competency-Based Education (CBE), which is still being rolled out and refined.
Teacher unions, education lobbies, and members of Parliament have called for immediate action to plug the funding gaps and protect the gains made in improving access and quality in the country’s education system.
As the Ministry races to secure emergency funding, the fate of millions of learners—particularly those in public institutions—hangs in the balance, with the clock ticking toward exam season.
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