The government has moved to address growing concern among professionals who took part in the administration and marking of the 2025 national examinations, confirming that their allowances have not yet been processed due to financial pressures.
In a statement dated February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Education said limited budget space and ongoing cash flow challenges have affected the release of funds meant for exam supervisors, invigilators, examiners, security officers and other contracted personnel.
The ministry explained that the delay is part of wider funding constraints currently influencing government operations. It said the concerns raised by those who supported the examinations process are justified and have been taken seriously.
“The delays in disbursement of allowances have arisen from budgetary and cash flow constraints currently affecting the release of funds,” the statement read.
“We wish to assure all affected professionals that payment remains a priority. The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Treasury, is actively working to resolve the matter and expedite the release of the requisite funds within the shortest time possible.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba noted that the individuals engaged during the examination period are vital in upholding the standards and trust attached to national assessments. He said their role remains central to the successful delivery of the country’s exams timetable.
The clarification comes shortly after the Kenya National Examinations Council announced the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education results. The marking exercise had been completed toward the end of last year before the results were made public.
Despite the conclusion of the exams and release of results, teachers and security officers who were deployed during the exercise say they are still waiting for their dues. Some have pointed out that delays were also reported during the 2024 examinations.
The matter unfolds at a time when the education sector is under review following recent audit findings. An audit established that more than 50,000 ghost learners had been listed in public schools, resulting in a loss of about Sh912 million in capitation funds.
\As a result of the findings, 34 school principals and 28 education officials were dismissed.
Although the ministry did not tie the audit issues to the pending exam payments, it said it is engaging the National Treasury to address the funding gap. It also thanked the contracted staff for their patience and promised to share updates as soon as the funds are made available.
