Thousands of teachers involved in the administration and marking of national examinations are set to receive their delayed payments after Parliament approved additional funding under the 2025/2026 supplementary budget.
The National Assembly on Wednesday approved a budget increase of about KSh18 billion, with KSh1.5 billion allocated to the State Department for Basic Education to settle arrears owed to officers who participated in national examinations.
The move comes as a relief to many teachers who have repeatedly raised concerns over delayed payments for invigilation, supervision and marking duties.
While presenting the report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, committee chairperson Samuel Atandi told MPs that the allocation was intended to address concerns that had emerged after the main budget was passed without adequate funding for examination personnel.
“Mr Speaker, when we passed the main estimates, there was an uproar that we had not factored in the funds that were meant for those who helped us invigilate the previous exams,” Atandi told the House.
“I want to confirm that this money has now been factored in in this supplementary budget, which we are going to pass now,” he added.
The approval will make it possible for the teachers and other education officials who took part in the examination process to get their salaries paid.
Atandi explained that the time frame allocated by Parliament to consider the supplementary budget was limited owing to the fact that it was tabled shortly before the end of the financial year.
This KSh1.5 billion kitty comes as part of a larger budget kitty meant for youth programs, small business development, and water projects among others.
For many teachers who have been waiting anxiously for their salary arrears, this development will mean a sigh of relief as the government tries to settle all pending arrears before the end of the financial year.
