Hope For Teachers As KNEC Starts Releasing Delayed Exam Allowances

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially commenced the long-awaited disbursement of payments to thousands of contracted professionals who took part in the administration of national examinations and assessments.

The ongoing payment exercise targets a broad spectrum of personnel who played critical roles during the 2025 examination cycle.

These include teachers, invigilators, supervisors, centre managers, examiners, security officers, and drivers, individuals whose coordinated efforts are essential to the smooth running and integrity of Kenya’s national examinations system.

However, due to prevailing budgetary limitations, KNEC has adopted a phased payment approach, releasing funds gradually as they become available from the National Treasury.

This staggered process means that while some workers have already received their dues, others will have to wait a little longer before their payments are processed.

So far, the Council has made notable progress. Tutors and teachers who were involved in supervising Teacher Training College (TTC) assessments, as well as those who participated in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) examinations, have successfully received their payments.

In addition, security personnel and drivers were prioritized and became the first group to be compensated, signaling the government’s intention to systematically clear the backlog of pending arrears.

Despite these developments, a large number of teachers across the country are still awaiting payment for their roles in the 2025 national examinations.

These include those who served as invigilators, supervisors, centre managers, and examiners, positions that require significant responsibility and time commitment. According to KNEC, an estimated Sh1.5 billion is required to fully settle all outstanding claims.

The delay in payments has sparked widespread concern within the education sector. For many teachers, these allowances are not merely supplementary but form an important part of their income.

The prolonged wait has therefore placed financial strain on numerous educators, prompting teacher unions and other stakeholders to repeatedly urge the government to fast-track the payment process and fulfill its obligations promptly.

Addressing the issue recently in Uasin Gishu County, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok acknowledged the delays and sought to reassure affected teachers that the government is actively working to resolve the matter.

He revealed that he had personally escalated the issue to William Ruto, emphasizing the urgency and the distress being experienced by teachers.

Bitok stated that during his visit to State House, he informed the President that teachers were “crying” over the delayed KNEC payments. In response, President Ruto reportedly made a direct call to the Treasury, instructing officials to find an immediate solution. Bitok expressed optimism that the intervention would accelerate the release of funds.

“I went to State House and explained to President Ruto that teachers are crying due to delayed KNEC payments. He made a phone call to the Treasury directing them to find a quick solution to the issue. I want to assure teachers that they will be paid in the next few weeks before the end of this month,” Bitok said.

The phased payment plan currently underway is expected to gradually ease tensions within the education sector. Nonetheless, teachers and their representatives continue to push for a more reliable and predictable payment system to avoid similar delays in the future.

Even as payments continue, KNEC has previously highlighted that some delays are not solely due to funding constraints. The Council has identified several technical issues that can prevent contracted professionals from receiving their dues.

These include incorrect personal details, mismatched banking information, and incomplete documentation, commonly referred to as “payment killers.”

To avoid further delays, teachers and other contracted personnel are being urged to carefully verify their personal and banking details, ensure all required documentation is properly submitted, and promptly address any discrepancies that could hinder the processing of their payments.

While the current disbursement offers renewed hope to thousands of affected workers, it also underscores the need for improved systems and timely financial planning to support the critical role played by educators and examination staff in Kenya’s education sector.

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