Why Kenya Is Scrapping Free National Exams for All Students: CS Mbadi Explains
Date: May 23, 2025 | Author: The Star Kenya Reporter
Table of Contents:
CS John Mbadi during a past Treasury address. Photo: File
Exam Fee Waiver to Be Reviewed
Starting in the 2025/26 financial year, some Kenyan parents will no longer enjoy the full government subsidy for national examination fees. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has announced that the government is revisiting the blanket waiver policy as part of ongoing austerity efforts.
Subsidy to Benefit Needy Learners Only
CS Mbadi noted that the fee waiver will now be limited to students from low-income households. He emphasized the need to redirect government funds to those who truly need support, saying it’s unreasonable for taxpayers to subsidize wealthy families.
Mbadi Questions Blanket Coverage
“If your child is in a private school paying KSh 300,000 or even a million in fees, should the government still foot their KSh 5,000 exam bill?” posed Mbadi during a press briefing. “It is unfair to burden taxpayers who can barely make ends meet.”
2025 Exams Already Budgeted For
He clarified that candidates sitting national exams in 2025 will not be affected, as those fees have already been budgeted in the current financial year.
Read also:MPs Raise Concern Over Zero Budget Allocation for KCSE, JSS Exams
Waiver Introduced in 2015, Later Expanded
The free exam initiative was first rolled out by President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration in 2015 for public schools. In 2017, it was extended to include private school learners as well.
New Policy Part of Government Austerity Plan
The decision aligns with President William Ruto’s broader cost-cutting measures, including a recent Cabinet resolution to dissolve and merge 42 state corporations. The government is keen to reduce reliance on loans by tightening spending.
Looking Ahead to 2026 Exams
CS Mbadi projects that nearly 3 million candidates will sit for national exams in 2026 — 1.2 million in KIPSEA and over 960,000 in KCSE. He insists that the government must be strategic in how it allocates limited resources.
Public Reaction Expected
The planned reforms are likely to spark public debate, especially among parents and education stakeholders. Questions remain about how eligibility for the waiver will be determined.
