Thousands of Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examiners have reason to celebrate after the Ministry of Education announced the release of the long-awaited balance of their marking allowances. The payment, which covers professionals who marked the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, follows the disbursement of KSh1.5 billion by the National Treasury.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Ministry of Education confirmed that all outstanding payments have now been transferred to the respective accounts of eligible examiners.
The announcement brings an end to months of anxiety among teachers and contracted professionals who had been waiting for the government to clear the remaining balances after completing the demanding national examination marking exercise.
KSh1.5 Billion Released to Clear Outstanding Allowances
According to the statement signed by Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, the National Treasury released KSh1.5 billion on July 7, 2026, specifically to facilitate the payment of the outstanding marking allowances.
The Ministry noted that following the receipt of the funds, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) promptly processed the payments, ensuring that examiners received the balances directly in their bank accounts.
The government said the disbursement marks the completion of payments owed to professionals who participated in the marking of the 2025 KJSEA and KCSE examinations.
Relief for Thousands of Examiners
The payment is expected to bring relief to thousands of teachers and education professionals across the country who dedicate weeks to marking national examinations every year.
Many examiners had expressed concerns over delays in receiving the remaining portion of their allowances despite successfully completing the marking exercise months ago. The delayed payments had sparked discussions within education circles, with teachers urging the government to prioritize the settlement of their dues.
With the latest announcement, those concerns have now been addressed, allowing examiners to access the money they had been eagerly awaiting.
Ministry Commends Examiners
In the statement, the Ministry of Education praised examiners and other contracted professionals for their professionalism, patience, and unwavering commitment throughout the national examination process.
The Ministry acknowledged that the quality and credibility of Kenya’s national assessments depend heavily on the dedication of examiners, who work under strict timelines to ensure accurate and timely release of examination results.
Officials emphasized that despite the payment delays, examiners continued to demonstrate commitment to maintaining high standards in the country’s education assessment system.
Positive News Ahead of Future Examinations
The settlement of the outstanding allowances is expected to boost the morale of teachers who regularly serve as KNEC examiners. Prompt payment has been one of the recurring issues raised by examiners over the years, with many calling for more predictable and timely disbursement of their allowances.
Education stakeholders hope that the latest payment signals improved coordination between the National Treasury, the Ministry of Education, and KNEC in financing future examination activities.
As preparations continue for upcoming national examinations, the government is expected to maintain timely facilitation of examiners and other contracted professionals to ensure smooth administration and marking of assessments.
For thousands of teachers across Kenya, Thursday’s announcement marks the end of a long wait and provides welcome financial relief. With the outstanding balances now deposited into their accounts, many examiners can finally smile all the way to the bank after months of anticipation.
