Public schools in Kenya face severe funding shortages ahead of the 2025 KCSE and KJSEA exams. Principals warn syllabus coverage, science practicals, and school operations are at risk.
As national exams approach, public schools in Kenya are racing against time to prepare candidates under dire financial constraints. The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) begins on October 21, with rehearsals scheduled for October 17. At the same time, the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will be administered to learners in Grade 9 and Grade 6 respectively.
Principals across the country have expressed concern that limited government capitation is undermining exam readiness. Some schools have yet to receive third-term funds because the Ministry of Education is still verifying enrollment data under a nationwide audit. Only schools that passed the audit have received partial disbursements.
Funding allocations per learner stand at Sh3,044, but only Sh300 has been released per child for exam preparations. This amount, principals argue, is insufficient to cover critical needs such as science practical equipment, textbooks, and food supplies. “We are being forced to make learners share apparatus during practicals, which could encourage exam malpractices,” a Nairobi principal said.
The crisis is compounded by high levels of fee default, unpaid support staff, and mounting debts to suppliers. Some schools, like one in Bomet County, report debts exceeding Sh32 million. Principals warn that without urgent funding, both syllabus completion and examination integrity will be jeopardized.
