KNEC Budget Cut Leaves National Exams in Limbo
As students gear up for their national exams in just three months, a shocking revelation has emerged from the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).
The council, responsible for administering these crucial exams, has announced that it currently has no budget to carry out this responsibility by the end of the year.
This development has raised significant concerns among educators and stakeholders in the education sector.
The Council’s budget has been completely cut, leaving it without the necessary funds to conduct the exams.
This drastic measure has left KNEC facing a dire situation with only two viable options: either cancel the exams or revert to charging parents, a practice that was previously abandoned.
This alarming situation was brought to light by the Chairman of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers, who emphasized the urgent need for the Ministry of Education and the Treasury to act swiftly and reinstate the budget.
Pressing Educational Issues
The Chairman of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers highlighted several pressing issues that threaten the stability of Kenya’s education system.
With the budget cuts, the administration and marking of exams are under severe threat.
The Chairman questioned whether the government intends to privatize these processes or administer exams online, highlighting the uncertainty and lack of clear direction from the authorities.
Additionally, the transition from grade 8 to grade 9 remains unresolved as the Ministry of Education has yet to fulfill its promise to construct new classrooms.
The CET suggested that students continue their studies in secondary schools until the issue is resolved.
The estimated cost to build the required classes in primary schools was projected to be around KSh 24 billion, a significant investment that has yet to be realized.
Government’s Response
Amid these challenges, there has been some relief with the President’s assurance that all junior secondary school teachers will be confirmed and granted permanent and pensionable contracts before the end of the year.
This promise aims to provide some stability in an otherwise uncertain educational landscape.
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As the financial crisis threatens the administration of national exams, the teachers’ union and other stakeholders are calling on the Ministry of Education and the Treasury to prioritize education and reinstate the necessary budget for KNEC.
With only three months until the exams, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.
KNEC Budget Cut Leaves National Exams in Limbo
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