Mbadi Explains the Removal of National Exams Budget: What You Need to Know

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi recently spoke about the government’s changes to exam fee policies. On May 24, he revealed plans to require some parents to pay their children’s national exam fees starting in 2026.

Mbadi mentioned that the government is reviewing how these fees are paid. He emphasized that wealthy families should contribute while support will continue for those in need. “We need to reconsider why the government covers fees for all students, including those in private schools,” he explained.

There is a budget in place for this year’s exams, despite worries about funding. “Don’t panic; we have money for exams. We’re just changing the system,” he assured. The review aims to understand why exam costs are so high, and he promised sufficient funding once it’s complete.

Who Pays for Exams?

Mbadi pointed out that the government shouldn’t subsidize fees for families that can afford them. For instance, he noted that parents paying up to Ksh 1 million a year for private school shouldn’t expect taxpayers to fund their children’s exam fees. The focus, he said, should be on ensuring all children receive basic education, not on subsidizing those who can pay.

“It doesn’t make sense for families that can afford high school fees to shift the responsibility of exam fees to the government,” he remarked. He stressed, “The resources of the government come from the people of Kenya.”

Printing Exams Locally

Additionally, Mbadi criticized the practice of printing exams abroad. He argued that if Kenya can print passports locally, there’s no reason to print exams overseas. “We can handle the security of exam materials right here,” he stated, suggesting that local printing could help reduce leakage issues that have been a concern in recent years.

Broader Context

The debate around exam fees ties into larger discussions about education access and equity in Kenya. A survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the cost of education continues to be a burden for many families. Over 70% of parents expressed difficulty managing school-related expenses. The new policy aims to assign costs more fairly while still supporting disadvantaged students.

In a world where online learning is becoming the norm, this shift also reflects changing attitudes towards education finance. As more families look for affordable solutions, the government is being pressured to adapt funding models.

Opinions on social media have been mixed, with some applauding the focus on equity, while others argue that education should remain free for all. It’s crucial for families to stay informed about these changes and how they might impact their children’s education in the coming years.

For more in-depth analysis, you can explore resources from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics to understand current educational trends further.

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