Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no parent or guardian in Kenya pays any amount of money for their children to sit for the ongoing national examinations.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Education Committee on Wednesday, CS Ogamba stated firmly that the government has fully catered for the costs of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) examinations currently underway across the country.

His remarks come amid reports of confusion and concern among parents, following claims that some schools were requesting contributions to facilitate the administration of national exams. Ogamba, however, dismissed these reports as unauthorized and contrary to government policy.

“No instruction has been given to any principal or head of institution to ask for money from parents for examinations,” he said.
“The responsibility for national exams lies solely with the government. Parents should not pay even a single shilling.”

Government Takes Full Responsibility

CS Ogamba told lawmakers that the Ministry of Education has already made budgetary arrangements to ensure that the examinations are conducted smoothly and that all exam-related costs are covered by the government.

He assured the public that the ministry, working closely with the National Treasury, is addressing a funding gap of Ksh. 3.7 billion required to fully clear pending bills and ensure efficient exam management.

“The deficit is being handled,” Ogamba said. “We are working with Treasury to make sure that the money is available and the exams proceed seamlessly. The government will pay examiners and meet all logistical needs without burdening parents.”

Ogamba’s assurance comes at a crucial time, as millions of learners across the country sit for the final papers of the KCSE and the national assessments that form part of Kenya’s ongoing education reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)

Timely Exams Despite Financial Pressure

The Education CS admitted that there had been delays in payments to examiners and service providers, citing exchequer release challenges as the main reason. However, he emphasized that these are being resolved and that no student or school will be affected by financial constraints.

“As to why payments to examiners have been delayed, it’s because of delays in exchequer releases,” Ogamba explained. “But we are ensuring that in the future, once a budget is approved for examinations, it will not be slashed or delayed.”

He emphasized that examinations are a national responsibility, not a school or parent’s affair, insisting that no student should be locked out or inconvenienced over money issues.

Smooth Transition Under CBC

The announcement also highlights Kenya’s ongoing education transition from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The KPSEA and KJSEA exams are part of this transformative shift, assessing learners based on skills, creativity, and practical competence, rather than purely on rote memorization.

According to the ministry’s calendar, the KCSE examinations began on October 21, 2025, while the KPSEA exams ran from October 27 to 29, and the KJSEA exams will continue until November 3, 2025.

CS Ogamba noted that the ministry expects to release the KPSEA and KJSEA results by December 2025, while KCSE results will follow in January 2026, ensuring a timely transition for all learners.

“We want to assure parents, learners, and teachers that the examination calendar will proceed without interruption,” Ogamba said. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that results are released promptly and transparently.”

Reassurance to Parents and School Heads

The Education CS issued a strong directive to school heads and principals across the country, warning against any attempts to solicit money from parents in the name of examination facilitation.

He made it clear that such actions are illegal and punishable, emphasizing that the government has taken full financial responsibility for the process from the printing of examination materials to the payment of examiners, invigilators, and supervisors.

“No school head should ask parents to contribute anything toward exams,” Ogamba warned. “Any school found doing so will face disciplinary action. This government is fully committed to free and fair national examinations.”

The CS’s remarks were widely welcomed by parents’ associations and teacher unions, who said the clarification was timely and necessary amid growing anxiety about the cost of education.

The Kenya National Parents Association (KNPA) chairperson praised the government’s move, saying it restored confidence in the education sector and relieved families struggling with the high cost of living.

“We appreciate the government’s assurance,” the chair said. “Parents have been under pressure for far too long, and this declaration gives them relief and restores trust in the system.”

Transparency, Integrity, and Equal Opportunity

Ogamba further highlighted that the ministry is not only focusing on exam funding but also working to enhance the credibility and integrity of national examinations.

He said that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has implemented strict measures to curb cheating and irregularities, including close monitoring of examination centers, improved transportation of exam materials, and coordination with security agencies.

“We have put in place robust systems to safeguard the integrity of our exams,” the CS stated. “Every learner deserves an equal chance to succeed based on merit, not privilege.”

He also emphasized that this commitment to fairness and access aligns with President William Ruto’s education agenda, which prioritizes free and inclusive learning under the CBC framework.

A Positive Step for Learners and Families

As the examination season continues, CS Ogamba’s declaration serves as a reassuring message to millions of Kenyan families: education remains a fundamental right, not a financial burden.

By covering all examination costs, the government is not only supporting learners but also reaffirming its dedication to equity and opportunity for every child, regardless of background.

“No Kenyan child should ever be denied the chance to sit for their exams because of money,” Ogamba concluded. “The government will always stand with our learners and their parents.”