Kenya's New Exam Fee Policy Sparks Debate and Uncertainty

Kenya to Shift National Exam Fee Burden to Parents in 2026 NAIROBI, Kenya — Starting next year, Kenyan parents will be responsible for paying their children's national examination fees, a significant policy shift announced by the government. This decision, explained by Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi as a necessary measure due to budgetary constraints, has sparked debate and concerns about potential legal challenges. "There is a budget in 2024-2025, which is largely going to cater for the examination which will be done in October, November," Mbadi stated, addressing concerns about inadequate funding. However, he also acknowledged the need for a more targeted approach to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The government plans to introduce a targeted subsidy, meaning only students who qualify for support will have their fees covered. This approach mirrors a previous attempt to implement a similar system for university fees, which faced legal challenges and criticism, leaving many students in limbo. The Ministry of Education is tasked with developing criteria to determine which students will qualify for the government support. The potential impact on millions of students and the uncertainty surrounding the implementation make this a critical issue for Kenyan families and education stakeholders. The government's commitment to ensuring that exams proceed and the ongoing efforts to create a fair and equitable system remain key aspects of this developing story.