Govt explains delay in payment of 2025 national exam officials
By Faith Lagat, February 13, 2026The Ministry of Education has attributed the delay in paying contracted professionals who administered and marked the 2025 national examinations to budgetary constraints and cash flow challenges.
In a press statement dated February 12, 2026, and shared on X by Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba on February 13, 2026, the ministry acknowledged concerns raised by supervisors, invigilators, security personnel, examiners and other contracted staff.
Budgetary and cash flow constraints
The Ministry of Education said the delay in payment of allowances to professionals who handled the 2025 national examinations was due to budgetary and cash flow constraints affecting the release of funds.
It also noted that the disbursement challenges were linked to broader financial limitations currently impacting government expenditure. It acknowledged the concerns raised by affected personnel and termed them legitimate.
“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 said the professionals play a key role in maintaining the integrity and credibility of national assessments, describing their contribution as central to the successful execution of the national examinations calendar.
The statement comes weeks after the Kenya National Examinations Council released the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education results, with marking having concluded late last year.
Teachers and security officers who served during the examination period have since reported delays in receiving their allowances.
Complaints and sector scrutiny
Affected personnel have raised concerns over the delayed payments, with some stating they have waited several months. Similar delays were reported during the 2024 examination cycle.
The current situation comes amid scrutiny of financial management in the education sector. Recent audits identified more than 50,000 ghost learners in public schools, leading to the loss of approximately Ksh912 million in capitation funds. Following the findings, 34 school principals and 28 education officials were dismissed.
The ministry did not directly link the audit findings to the current delay but indicated it is working with the National Treasury to address the funding constraints.
Despite the delays, the ministry expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of contracted personnel and committed to providing updates on the payment process.