Deadline Set: Sh1.5 Billion Budget Tabled to Pay KNEC Examiners by End of June
In a decisive move to stabilize the nation’s fiscal standing as the financial year draws to a close, the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) has formally presented its report on the Supplementary Estimates II for the Financial Year 2025/26.
Submitted on Tuesday, 16th June 2026, the document outlines critical adjustments necessitated by emerging expenditure pressures and the need to align budgetary allocations with the fiscal realities of the day.
Among the most anticipated provisions in this package is a dedicated Ksh 1.5 billion allocation aimed at clearing outstanding dues for Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) invigilators and examiners who facilitated the 2025 national assessments.
This development brings a sigh of relief to thousands of educators who have been anxiously awaiting payment, following a firm commitment made by the committee’s chairperson earlier in the week.
A Constitutional and Legal Imperative
The submission of the Supplementary Estimates II is anchored in the supreme law of the land.
Pursuant to 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 its spending plans when urgent or unforeseen needs arise.
The timing of this submission—precisely two weeks before the close of the 2025/26 financial year—is strategic.
By revisiting the budget at this juncture, the National Treasury and the Legislature aim to synchronize approved appropriations with actual expenditures.
This process is essential for the orderly closure of government accounts, ensuring that financial reporting remains accurate, transparent, and credible.
As per Standing Order 243 of the National Assembly, the Estimates were committed to the Budget and Appropriations Committee for rigorous review.
The resulting report, which serves as a blueprint for the final fiscal adjustments of the year, was presented to the August House for consideration and adoption, signaling the final push to balance the national ledger.
Bridging the Gap: The KNEC Payments
Perhaps the most significant highlight for the education sector—and a testament to the influence of parliamentary oversight—is the inclusion of Ksh 1.5 billion for the State Department for Basic Education.
Earlier this week, Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi, who chairs the Budget and Appropriations Committee, gave a clear assurance to the country’s teaching fraternity.
Recognizing the vital role played by invigilators and examiners in maintaining the integrity of national examinations, Atandi promised that these professionals would be paid their dues by the end of June 2026.
The inclusion of this specific allocation in the Supplementary Estimates II transforms that political commitment into a fiscal reality.
This funding is intended to clear the arrears accumulated during the administration of the 2025 national examinations, ensuring that those who facilitate the backbone of the country’s academic assessment infrastructure are compensated fairly and on time.
Understanding the Fiscal Shift
The Supplementary Estimates II reveal a net increase in ministerial expenditure, pushing the total budget from Ksh 2,913 billion to Ksh 2,931 billion—a total uptick of Ksh 17.83 billion.
This adjustment is bifurcated into two main components:
- Recurrent Expenditure: An increase of KSH 7.45 billion, primarily financed through additional Exchequer issues.
- Development Expenditure: An increase of KSH 10.38 billion, driven largely by development partner-funded programmes and revisions in Appropriations-in-Aid (AIA).
The Committee noted that the financing structure for this supplementary budget is a delicate balance.
By leveraging external resources (development partner support) and optimizing internally generated revenues (AIA), the government is striving to sustain critical projects without placing an undue burden on the taxpayer during the final weeks of the fiscal year.
Addressing Operations and Maintenance
One of the core objectives of the Supplementary Estimates II is to rectify shortfalls in Operations and Maintenance (O&M), which are essential for the daily functionality of government offices.
The Committee observed that several departments had faced operational constraints that threatened service delivery.
Key reallocations to stabilize these functions include:
- Office of the Deputy President: KSH 200 million.
- State House: KSH 1 billion.
- State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development: KSH 198 million.
These funds are designed to bridge the gaps in utility, maintenance, and administrative expenses, ensuring that government functions remain uninterrupted as the country transitions into the new fiscal year.
Bolstering National Security
In an era of shifting global and regional security dynamics, the Budget and Appropriations Committee has prioritized the strengthening of the nation’s security architecture.
The Supplementary Estimates II propose a significant injection of funds into security-related dockets to enable agencies to respond to emerging threats and maintain national stability.
The allocations include:
- State Department for Internal Security and National Administration: KSH 1.55 billion.
- National Intelligence Service: KSH 3.5 billion.
These resources are deemed critical for sustaining ongoing security operations.
By providing this buffer, the government ensures that its security apparatus remains adequately equipped to monitor and neutralize risks, ultimately protecting the sovereignty and safety of citizens.
Expanding Development and Economic Opportunities
While recurrent expenditure stabilizes operations, the development budget in the Supplementary Estimates II focuses on long-term growth and international connectivity.
An interesting addition is the allocation of Ksh 150 million to the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications.
This specific fund is designated for the acquisition of broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be channeled through the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
This move ensures that the global football spectacle is accessible to all Kenyans, cementing the government’s role in promoting sports culture and national unity.
Furthermore, the government is leaning heavily into youth empowerment and small-scale enterprise development.
The State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy is set to receive an additional Ksh 1.94 billion, while the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development receives a boost of Ksh 3.85 billion.
These allocations are largely underpinned by the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme.
By expanding economic opportunities through these departments, the state is targeting a reduction in youth unemployment and fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive.
The infrastructure sector also sees a major win, with Ksh 2.3 billion allocated to the State Department for Water and Sanitation.
This funding is earmarked for the Mwache Dam Project—a flagship initiative supported by development partners aimed at enhancing water security and expanding irrigation capacity, which is essential for drought resilience and domestic consumption.
The Role of Appropriations-in-Aid (AIA) and Fiscal Discipline
A notable feature of this supplementary process is the strategic revision of Appropriations-in-Aid.
AIA refers to revenue collected by government departments and ministries through the sale of goods or services, which they are then permitted to spend directly.
The Supplementary Estimates II include an upward revision of AIA to reflect actual collections realized throughout the year.
For instance, the State Department for Sports is allocated an additional KSH 4.1 billion, which is being financed directly through an upward revision in AIA from the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund.
This mechanism allows the government to utilize “own-source” revenue to drive development without relying solely on the national exchequer.
Simultaneously, the Committee has exercised fiscal restraint by reducing allocations in certain areas.
For example, the National Treasury has seen a reduction of Ksh 700 million in Personnel Emoluments to align with actual expenditure, and a further Ksh 1.8 billion cut from Contingency Fund Transfers.
These reductions demonstrate a commitment to precision in budgeting. By stripping away excesses where actual spending proved lower than projected, the government optimizes resource allocation, ensuring that every shilling is directed toward areas of greatest need.
Conclusion: A Foundation for the Future
The presentation of the Supplementary Estimates II for the 2025/26 Financial Year is a vital component of Kenya’s financial governance framework.
By addressing the funding gaps for KNEC examiners, stabilizing national security, and fueling development through targeted partner-funded programmes, the government is demonstrating agility in the face of fiscal pressures.
The work of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, led by MP Samuel Atandi, highlights the importance of parliamentary oversight in ensuring that budgetary policy translates into real-world impact.
As the House deliberates on these Estimates, the focus remains on ensuring that the fiscal year concludes not just with an orderly closure of accounts, but with a firm foundation upon which the next financial cycle can be built.
With the deadline for the finalization of these payments and the close of the financial year fast approaching, the adoption of these measures will be a critical step toward maintaining the credibility of the state’s financial reporting and, more importantly, honoring the promises made to those who serve the nation.
Summary of Key Supplementary Allocations (FY 2025/26)
| Sector/Department | Allocation Amount (KSH) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Education | 1.5 Billion | KNEC Arrears (Examiners/Invigilators) |
| National Intelligence Service | 3.5 Billion | Security Operations |
| Internal Security | 1.55 Billion | National Security Support |
| Sports (State Dept) | 4.1 Billion | Financed via Sports/Arts Fund AIA |
| MSME Development | 3.85 Billion | NYOTA Programme/Economic Growth |
| Water and Sanitation | 2.3 Billion | Mwache Dam Project |
| State House | 1 Billion | Operations & Maintenance |
| Broadcasting | 150 Million | 2026 World Cup Rights (KBC) |
As the dust settles on the 2025/26 financial year, these adjustments stand as a testament to the government’s ability to navigate the complexities of public finance.
By aligning expectations with the reality of the fiscal environment, the state ensures that it remains a reliable partner to its employees, its security forces, and its citizens at large.
The above report serves as an overview of the Supplementary Estimates II for the Financial Year 2025/26 as presented to the National Assembly. It reflects the adjustments deemed necessary by the Budget and Appropriations Committee to ensure fiscal compliance and the fulfillment of government obligations.
