Teachers Set for Payday as Parliament Approves Ksh 1.5 Billion for KNEC Arrears

Teachers Set for Payday as Parliament Approves Ksh 1.5 Billion for KNEC Arrears

Relief as Parliament Approves Ksh 1.5 Billion to Clear 2025 KNEC Examiner Dues

The wait for thousands of educators across Kenya is nearing an end. In a significant fiscal development, the National Assembly has officially approved the Supplementary Estimates II for the 2025/26 Financial Year, which includes a critical allocation of Ksh 1.5 billion earmarked for the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

This budgetary provision is specifically designed to settle outstanding payments for the invigilators, supervisors, and examiners who successfully facilitated the 2025 national examinations.

For the teaching fraternity, this approval marks the final hurdle before the disbursement of funds begins.

With the legislative process complete, the only remaining procedural step is the formal signing of the Supplementary Bill by President William Ruto, an event expected within the coming week.

A Decisive Move for Fiscal Stability

The journey to this payout began in earnest last week when the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC), led by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, presented its report on the Supplementary Estimates II.

The submission, made on Tuesday, 16th June 2026, was a necessary step to align government spending with the emerging economic realities as the financial year draws to a close.

The adjustment process is firmly anchored in the legal framework of the nation.

Under Article 223 of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 44 of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, Cap. 412A, the government is empowered to adjust spending plans to account for urgent and unforeseen needs.

By facilitating this supplementary budget, the National Treasury and the Legislature have ensured that the government can fulfill its contractual obligations to the professionals who form the backbone of the national assessment infrastructure.

Understanding the Fiscal Landscape

The Supplementary Estimates II reveal a net increase in ministerial expenditure, raising the total budget from Ksh 2,913 billion to Ksh 2,931 billion, an uptick of approximately Ksh 17.83 billion.

This infusion is categorized into two key areas:

Recurrent Expenditure: An increase of Ksh 7.45 billion, financed primarily through additional Exchequer issues.

Development Expenditure: An increase of Ksh 10.38 billion, largely driven by partner-funded projects and revisions in Appropriations-in-Aid (AIA).

The specific allocation of Ksh 1.5 billion for KNEC examiners ensures that these professionals receive their hard-earned compensation, clearing the arrears that had accumulated following the conclusion of the 2025 national testing cycle.

Assurances from Leadership

MP Samuel Atandi, as the chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, has been a central figure in advocating for these educators.

Recognizing the critical role invigilators and supervisors play in maintaining the integrity of national assessments—a process that demands precision, long hours, and absolute honesty—Atandi provided a firm assurance that the funds would reach the teachers by the end of June 2026.

The inclusion of this budget line effectively transforms this political commitment into a tangible fiscal reality, providing peace of mind to thousands of teachers who have been managing their own transport and operational costs during the examination period.

Guidelines for Teachers: Ensuring Smooth Payment

While the government has cleared the budgetary path, KNEC has issued a reminder to all contracted professionals regarding the importance of data accuracy.

In previous cycles, payment delays have often been tied to technical issues rather than a lack of funds.

KNEC emphasized that data mismatches and documentation gaps are the primary culprits for failed disbursements.

To ensure that payments are processed without further hitches, teachers are advised to review their information on the Contracted Professionals (CP2) portal.

Common Challenges and Recommended Solutions

If you are an educator expecting payment, please cross-reference your records with these KNEC-identified challenges:

ChallengeRecommended Remedy
Name MismatchEnsure the name on your CP2 account matches your official M-Pesa registered name. If they differ, create a new CP2 account linked to the correct phone number.
Missing ID/TSC DetailsLog in to the CP2 portal immediately and update your records with the correct TSC/PF and ID numbers.
Documentation GapsEnsure your attendance registers were signed, stamped, and submitted to your Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE). If they are missing, your Centre Manager must assist in rectifying this.
Deployment ErrorsIf you worked but do not appear in the CP2 portal, contact your SCDE with your center code, dates worked, and role to register your query.
Data CleaningIf you received a query regarding incomplete data, update the information through your SCDE to allow for immediate processing.

KNEC maintains a strict policy of processing accurate and complete data as it is received.

By ensuring your file is “clean,” you significantly reduce the risk of being left out of the initial disbursement wave.

Breakdown of Compensation Rates

For the sake of transparency, it is helpful to recall the established rates for the 2025 examination period. These rates apply to various roles and the duration of the tasks assigned:

  • KPSEA Invigilators: Ksh 550 per day for 3 days = Ksh 1,650
  • KJSEA Invigilators: Ksh 550 per day for 6 days = Ksh 3,300
  • KPSEA & KJSEA Supervisors: Ksh 680 per day for 6 days = Ksh 4,080
  • KCSE Supervisors: Ksh 680 per day for 16 days = Ksh 10,880
  • KCSE Invigilators: Ksh 550 per day for 16 days = Ksh 8,800
  • Centre Managers: Paid per diem based on the duration of the specific exam level (KPSEA, KJSEA, or KCSE).

Note: While KNEC directly compensates for the invigilation and supervision services, it also handles the reimbursement of travel costs for those who were required to commute to their assigned centers.

A Call for Vigilance

As the country awaits the President’s signature, the atmosphere among the teaching fraternity is one of cautious optimism.

The prompt approval of the supplementary budget by Parliament is a testament to the government’s recognition of the teaching profession’s vital role in national development.

Teachers are encouraged to keep a close eye on their registered mobile money accounts in the coming week.

Furthermore, it is advisable to maintain communication with their respective Sub-County Education offices.

Should any individual encounter a persistent delay after the general disbursement begins, the established channels—specifically through the SCDE—remain the most effective way to resolve unique cases.

The resolution of these payments is not just a financial transaction; it is a signal of respect for the educators who work tirelessly to ensure that millions of Kenyan students are assessed fairly and accurately.

With the legislative backing secured and the fiscal resources allocated, the focus now shifts to the final administrative execution of payments, bringing a successful conclusion to the 2025 assessment cycle.

Leave a Reply