Private Schools To Pay KCSE, KCPE Examination Fees

By Getrude Mathayo / Published March 23, 2023 | 10:37 am

KEY POINTS

The MPs said the government has been paying exam fees for learners in private schools hence making it hard for KNEC to meet some crucial obligations to the council. Currently, the government pays about 800 shillings per learner sitting for five subjects in primary school.

If a proposal by Members of Parliament, MPs, is approved, Parents with children in private schools may soon start paying national examinations fees for their children from next year.

This proposal came after the MPs argued that the government’s move to pay the exam fee for children in private schools has crippled the operations of the examination agency, the Kanya National Examination Council, KNEC, which has been cash-strapped.

The legislators want these parents to pay examination registration fees to help the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) stay afloat.

When KNEC Chief Executive Dr. David Njengere spoke before the Parliamentary Investment on Education and Governance, the specifics came to light. The CEO of the Council went before the Committee to respond to inquiries from the auditor general.

For secondary school, the state pays 5,000 shillings for those sitting seven subjects, 5,400 shillings for eight subjects, and 5,800 shillings for those sitting nine subjects.

According to the Committee chairman, Jack Wamboka, private schools are in business and if parents pay fees, then they should pay for learners’ examination fees. He added that his committee will ensure enough money is set aside for the council to deliver its mandate.

“We have the best interest of this country at our heart. We will ensure you are financially sound. The purpose on which private schools are operating is to make money and there is no need for the government to fund their exams,” said Wamboka.

Recently, Imenti South MP Shadrack Mwiti raised the matter of none payment to teachers who administered national examinations.

“Teachers who administered exams and police officers who secured the exams have not been paid their money after delivering their services,” MP said.