The Auditor‑General has declared the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) effectively “broke”, a finding that has intensified pressure on the body to pay exam invigilators and meet its core obligations.In a report tabled recently,
Auditor‑General Nancy Gathungu flagged significant financial strain at KNEC, warning that the council’s finances are inadequate to sustain operations, including critical exam management functions.
The auditor’s assessment comes amid growing concern in Parliament over delayed payments to invigilators and other examination personnel, many of whom have served during national assessments without receiving allowances.
Invigilators and exam supervisors say they have faced months of delays in receiving payment, despite performing duties during KCPE, KEPSEA and KCSE exams, igniting frustration across the teaching fraternity.
Members of the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education grilled KNEC officials, questioning weak financial planning and heavy reliance on limited allocations from the national budget.
MPs highlighted a wide funding gap that risks undermining core services, including payment for invigilation, exam printing, result processing, and other operational tasks vital for credible exams.
The council reportedly faces a shortfall amounting to billions of shillings, with lawmakers warning that without urgent budgetary intervention, national assessments and education programmes could be jeopardised.
Legislators also called for closer oversight of education agency finances, urging swift action from the Treasury, Parliament and Budget and Appropriations Committee to plug gaps and prevent further service disruptions.
KNEC management acknowledged the severe fiscal squeeze, saying constrained funding has hampered operations and project completion, including a stalled headquarters building and essential exam logistics.
Auditor‑General Gathungu’s declaration has sparked calls for accountability and funding reprioritisation, with education stakeholders stressing that delays in invigilator pay undermine morale and quality in the national examinations system.
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