The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has finally addressed growing public concern over delayed payments to examiners, while also dismissing a viral social media post attributed to its CEO as fake and misleading.
In a statement posted on its official X account on March 31, 2026, the examinations body acknowledged that it owes examiners and other contracted professionals but clarified that a widely circulated statement allegedly from its leadership was not authentic.
“While we acknowledge that we owe examiners and other contracted professionals… the below statement attributed to our CEO is misleading,” KNEC said, urging the public to rely only on verified communication channels.
The council further directed Kenyans to refer to an earlier statement issued by the Education Cabinet Secretary, which confirmed that the government is actively working with the National Treasury to settle the outstanding dues.
Payment delays spark concern
The admission comes amid mounting frustration among teachers and contracted personnel who participated in the administration and marking of national examinations. Thousands of professionals—including examiners, invigilators, and supervisors—are reportedly yet to receive their allowances months after completing their duties.
KNEC emphasized that the issue is being handled at the national government level, signaling that the delays are tied to broader financial processes rather than institutional failure.
Earlier, the Ministry of Education Kenya acknowledged the delays, attributing them to budgetary and cash flow constraints affecting the timely release of funds. However, it reassured stakeholders that payments remain a priority and efforts are ongoing to expedite disbursement.
Fake post triggers clarification
The latest statement was prompted by a viral post on social media that falsely suggested a position by KNEC’s CEO regarding the delayed payments. The council strongly distanced itself from the message, warning the public against falling for misinformation.
This is not the first time KNEC has had to debunk fake content. In recent months, the agency has repeatedly flagged misleading posts circulating online, including fake exam result slips and false claims about examiner processes.
In previous instances, the council has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and verify information through official platforms, noting that misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and confusion within the education sector.
Pressure from stakeholders
The delayed payments have also drawn criticism from education stakeholders, with some unions raising concerns over the situation. There have been warnings that continued delays could disrupt future examination processes if not addressed in time.
Such tensions highlight the critical role played by contracted professionals in ensuring the credibility and smooth running of Kenya’s national examinations system.
The government has acknowledged the importance of examiners and other contracted personnel, appealing for patience as it works toward resolving the issue.
What happens next?
Despite acknowledging the debt, KNEC did not provide a specific timeline for when payments will be made. However, both the council and the Ministry of Education have reiterated their commitment to resolving the issue as soon as possible.
For now, examiners and other affected personnel remain in limbo as the government works to release funds through the Treasury.
As the situation unfolds, KNEC continues to urge the public to ignore unverified information and rely only on official communication channels to avoid being misled.
