Parents will start paying exam fees next year after the government ends decade-long waivers. Treasury Secretary John Mbadi announced the policy change, which affects families whose children take national tests. The current system covers 7,200 shillings per student regardless of family wealth. Mbadi argues wealthy parents should pay for their children's exams rather than receive government help. Under the new rules, only poor families will receive free exam registration.
The government introduced exam waivers in 2016 to help students from struggling households. Current spending reaches billions each year as enrollment numbers continue rising across Kenya. Parliamentary Budget Office research shows the program costs too much money during tight budget periods. Education officials must create new guidelines to identify families who deserve financial assistance. Private school students will lose automatic government support for exam payments.
Kenya plans to print test papers locally instead of sending work overseas. Foreign printing costs reach 1.5 billion shillings each year for national examinations. Local printing could save significant money for education programs throughout the country. Mbadi believes Kenya can maintain exam security through domestic printing facilities. Government printers handle sensitive documents like passports successfully at home.
The government introduced exam waivers in 2016 to help students from struggling households. Current spending reaches billions each year as enrollment numbers continue rising across Kenya. Parliamentary Budget Office research shows the program costs too much money during tight budget periods. Education officials must create new guidelines to identify families who deserve financial assistance. Private school students will lose automatic government support for exam payments.
Kenya plans to print test papers locally instead of sending work overseas. Foreign printing costs reach 1.5 billion shillings each year for national examinations. Local printing could save significant money for education programs throughout the country. Mbadi believes Kenya can maintain exam security through domestic printing facilities. Government printers handle sensitive documents like passports successfully at home.
