Murang’a, Kenya — In a decisive statement today, Dr. David Njengere, the CEO of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), made it clear that there would be no additional pay increase for officials administering the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Speaking from Murang’a while overseeing the distribution of KCSE exam materials, Dr. Njengere explained that KNEC has no budget to meet the additional pay demands put forward by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET).
KUPPET has recently raised concerns, urging KNEC to improve the wages of KCSE exam officials. Despite the plea, Dr. Njengere affirmed that the current compensation is all that can be offered due to financial constraints. Currently, KCSE invigilators are paid Ksh 510 per day, a modest increase from Ksh 460 last year. Supervisors earn Ksh 680 daily, while security personnel receive Ksh 470. These rates have sparked discussions within the education sector, with KUPPET officials arguing that the compensation is insufficient for the demands of the role.
KNEC CEO Appreciates Teachers but Stands Firm on Wages
While addressing teachers and exam officials at the DCC container in Murang’a, Dr. Njengere expressed his appreciation for their dedication to ensuring the success and integrity of the examination process. He lauded teachers for their noble role, emphasizing that their efforts play a crucial role in upholding the standards of the KCSE exams. However, his commendation came alongside his refusal to increase their pay, citing the absence of funds earmarked for any salary increments.
KUPPET’s Push for Better Pay for KCSE Exam Officials
KUPPET’s demand for higher compensation for KCSE exam officials stems from the increased workload and the high costs of living across Kenya. KUPPET leaders argue that the current wages fail to reflect the vital role exam officials play in maintaining the credibility of Kenya’s education system. The union has called for further review of the exam officials’ wages, hoping to secure a more sustainable pay rate that compensates for the challenging conditions exam officials often face.
Financial Constraints Amid Increasing Demands
Dr. Njengere’s statement highlights a growing challenge in Kenya’s education sector, where budget constraints are impacting crucial services. With KCSE exams being a cornerstone of Kenya’s education and progression system, the issue of compensation for invigilators and supervisors has become a contentious point. As the exams continue, KUPPET is likely to keep pushing for a wage review, while KNEC may have to find solutions to balance their limited budget with rising demands from exam officials.
Today’s developments underscore the tension between KUPPET’s calls for fair pay and KNEC’s financial restrictions, a dynamic that continues to impact the education sector.
