KNEC faces Sh5 Billion deficit to administer exams this year

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The Kenya National Examinations Council Chief Executive Officer Dr David Njengere during Annual Educational Assessments Symposium on May 4, 2026. [Mike Kihaki, Standard]

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is staring at a critical funding shortfall of Sh5 billion as it prepares to administer national examinations and assessments to a record 3.5 million learners this year, raising concerns over the smooth delivery of one of the country’s most important education exercises.

The deficit comes at a time when KNEC is expected to oversee an unprecedented examination season involving multiple assessment systems running concurrently, stretching its logistical, financial and human resource capacity to the limit.

According to the council, 1,300,864 learners have registered for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), 1,193,200 for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and 1,049,276 candidates for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), marking the first time KCSE candidature has crossed the one-million mark.