The Ministry of Education has officially addressed mounting concerns over delayed payments to contracted professionals involved in the administration and marking of the 2025 national examinations. In a press statement released on February 12, 2026, from Nairobi, the Ministry acknowledged the delays and assured affected personnel that payment remains a top priority.
The statement, issued by Julius Migos Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Education, comes amid growing anxiety among supervisors, invigilators, examiners, and security personnel who participated in last year’s national examination and assessment processes but are yet to receive their allowances.
Ministry Admits Payment Delays
In the official communication, the Ministry openly recognized the “legitimate concerns” raised regarding delayed disbursement of funds to contracted professionals engaged in the administration and marking of the 2025 National Examinations and Assessments.
These professionals play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, credibility, and smooth execution of Kenya’s national examinations calendar. The Ministry emphasized that supervisors, invigilators, security officers, and examiners form the backbone of the country’s assessment framework, safeguarding fairness and upholding educational standards.
The statement clarified that the delays have been caused by budgetary and cash flow constraints currently affecting the release of government funds. While no specific payment timeline was provided, the Ministry assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to expedite the process.
Budget Constraints Behind the Delays
According to the press statement, the delay in payment stems from broader fiscal challenges impacting government operations. The Ministry disclosed that budgetary limitations and cash flow constraints have slowed the release of funds required to compensate contracted examination professionals.
The Education Ministry confirmed it is working closely with the National Treasury to resolve the issue. Officials indicated that discussions are ongoing to ensure that the necessary funds are released within the shortest time possible.
This admission comes at a time when public scrutiny over government expenditure and fiscal management remains high. For thousands of contracted education workers who rely on examination allowances as a significant income supplement, the delays have created financial strain and uncertainty.
Critical Role of Contracted Professionals
National examinations in Kenya require a vast network of temporary staff to ensure smooth operations across the country. From exam centers in major cities to remote rural schools, supervisors and invigilators oversee exam conduct, while security personnel ensure examination materials remain protected from tampering.
Examiners, on the other hand, shoulder the responsibility of marking scripts accurately and fairly, often working long hours under strict deadlines. Their work directly impacts students’ academic futures, university placements, and career pathways.
The Ministry’s statement acknowledged that these professionals are central to the successful delivery of national assessments and reaffirmed its appreciation for their patience and professionalism during this challenging period.
Government Assures Swift Resolution
In a bid to calm rising tensions, the Cabinet Secretary assured all affected personnel that payment remains a priority for the government. The Ministry stated that collaborative efforts with the National Treasury are actively ongoing to expedite the disbursement process.
While the statement did not specify exact dates for payment, it committed to communicating further updates as appropriate. The Ministry also pledged to safeguard timely payments moving forward, signaling possible reforms to prevent similar delays in the future.
This assurance may offer some relief, but many contracted professionals will likely be looking for concrete timelines in subsequent updates.
Impact on Kenya’s Education Sector
The delay in examination payments raises broader concerns about operational efficiency within Kenya’s education system. National examinations are among the most critical events in the country’s academic calendar, affecting hundreds of thousands of students annually.
Any disruption in payment structures risks undermining morale among examination staff, potentially affecting the smooth running of future assessments. Education stakeholders argue that consistent and timely compensation is essential to maintain high standards of examination integrity.
If unresolved, prolonged delays could discourage qualified professionals from participating in future national assessment processes.
Public Reaction and Stakeholder Expectations
Since the statement’s release, conversations across education circles and social media platforms have intensified. Teachers’ unions and examination personnel associations are closely monitoring the situation, urging the government to honor its commitments promptly.
Many contracted professionals have expressed frustration over delayed allowances, noting that they fulfilled their duties months ago under challenging conditions. They argue that timely compensation reflects recognition of their service and dedication.
However, the Ministry’s acknowledgment of the issue and its public commitment to resolving it may help restore some confidence among affected stakeholders.
What Happens Next?
The Ministry has pledged to provide further updates as appropriate, leaving many awaiting an official timeline for disbursement. Collaboration with the National Treasury suggests that payment may hinge on broader fiscal adjustments or budget reallocations.
For now, the government’s public assurance marks the first formal response to the concerns. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether funds are released promptly and whether structural measures are introduced to prevent similar occurrences in future examination cycles.
Conclusion
The Kenya Ministry of Education’s February 12 press statement signals official recognition of delayed payments to contracted professionals involved in the 2025 national examinations. While citing budgetary and cash flow constraints as the primary cause, the Ministry has committed to prioritizing payment and working with the National Treasury to expedite the release of funds.
As the education sector awaits further updates, affected personnel remain hopeful that the government’s assurances will translate into swift action. Timely resolution will not only ease financial strain but also reinforce confidence in Kenya’s national examination system.
For now, all eyes remain on the Ministry and Treasury as they work to resolve the payment delays and uphold the integrity of Kenya’s education framework.
