Teachers’ unions have threatened to boycott the administration of the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations unless the government settles billions of shillings owed to teachers who supervised last year’s national examinations.
The warning, issued just four months before the start of the 2026 KCSE examinations, has raised concerns over the country’s preparedness to conduct one of the most important education assessments.
KUPPET Demands Payment of Outstanding KNEC Arrears
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) says thousands of teachers who invigilated and supervised the 2025 KCSE examinations are yet to receive their payments despite the Ministry of Education releasing Ksh1.5 billion.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) still requires an additional Ksh4 billion to clear all pending examination allowances.
KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori said teachers have lost confidence in KNEC due to repeated delays in payment.
“Our teachers have clearly expressed misgivings about taking part in this and, in fact, the majority of them are threatening that they will not take part in this exam administration, which we clearly agree with,” Misori said.
Teachers Frustrated by Delayed Payments
Misori noted that delayed payments have become a recurring challenge for teachers who play a key role in maintaining the credibility and integrity of Kenya’s national examinations.
He argued that teachers continue to shoulder enormous responsibilities during the examination period yet face lengthy delays before receiving their allowances.
The union insists the government must settle all outstanding arrears before preparations for the 2026 KCSE examinations proceed.
KUPPET Wants Higher Examination Allowances
Besides demanding payment of pending dues, KUPPET is also pushing for a review of examination allowances, saying the current rates do not reflect the workload involved.
Until 2024, KNEC paid:
- Invigilators – Ksh400 per day
- Supervisors – Ksh450 per day
- Centre managers – Ksh500 per day
The allowances were increased by Ksh50 across all categories in 2025, but the union argues the increment remains insufficient.
Misori compared the payments to wages earned in other sectors, saying teachers deserve better compensation for the responsibilities they undertake during national examinations.
“Most of these exams are being managed by monies which are not even given to construction workers. Construction workers leave the site with not less than Ksh1,000 per day,” he said.
Boycott Threat Could Disrupt 2026 KCSE Exams
With the 2026 KCSE examinations drawing closer, the unions have maintained that teachers will not continue administering national examinations unless the government addresses both delayed payments and low allowances.
If the standoff is not resolved in the coming months, it could significantly disrupt the administration of the national examinations and affect thousands of candidates across the country.
The unions are now urging the government to urgently release the remaining funds owed to KNEC and introduce better remuneration for teachers participating in the examination process.
FAQs
Why are teachers threatening to boycott the 2026 KCSE exams?
Teachers say they have not been paid allowances for supervising the 2025 KCSE examinations and want the government to clear the arrears before this year’s exams.
How much does KNEC reportedly need to clear the pending payments?
Sources indicate KNEC requires an additional Ksh4 billion to settle all outstanding examination allowances.
What are teachers demanding besides payment?
The unions are also calling for an increase in examination allowances, arguing the current rates are too low compared to the workload and responsibilities involved.