The long delay in paying contracted examination officials has been resolved: KNEC exam payments for the 2025 cycle are now being disbursed, with many teachers receiving funds via M-Pesa. The Treasury released Ksh 1.5 billion to the Ministry of Education, enabling KNEC to start crediting examiners, invigilators, supervisors and centre managers who served during KPSEA, KJSEA and KCSE.
Key Takeaways
- KNEC exam payments for 2025 have started and many officials are receiving money on M-Pesa.
- The Treasury released Ksh 1.5 billion after parliamentary approval and presidential assent.
- Payments depend on accurate records in the CP2 (Contracted Professionals) portal — name and ID mismatches cause rejections.
- Standard daily rates determine pay amounts; amounts vary by role and days served.
How the payment was approved
The funds were unlocked through a clear legal and administrative process. Parliament prioritized Supplementary Estimates II for the 2025/26 financial year. After both houses approved the allocation and the President gave assent, the National Treasury wired the funds to the Ministry of Education. This sequence allowed KNEC to begin the final distribution to contracted professionals.
Who is receiving payments now
Initial batches have gone to drivers and security staff. The current wave includes:
- Examiners who marked national assessments
- Invigilators and supervisors for KPSEA, KJSEA and KCSE
- Centre managers and other administrative staff
Many teachers report payments directly into their M-Pesa accounts, with some receiving amounts up to Ksh 18,000 depending on role and days served.
Common payment rates (2025 framework)
Pay is calculated from standard daily rates and the number of days worked. Typical rates used in the 2025 framework include:
- KPSEA Invigilators: Ksh 550 per day (3 days) = Ksh 1,650
- KJSEA Invigilators: Ksh 550 per day (6 days) = Ksh 3,300
- KPSEA & KJSEA Supervisors: Ksh 680 per day (6 days) = Ksh 4,080
- KCSE Supervisors: Ksh 680 per day (16 days) = Ksh 10,880
- KCSE Invigilators: Ksh 550 per day (16 days) = Ksh 8,800
Checklist: what to verify if your payment is delayed
KNEC processes payments using data from the CP2 portal. If you have not received your money, check the following and act quickly:
- Name mismatch: Ensure the name on CP2 matches the name registered on your M-Pesa or bank account.
- Incorrect or missing ID: Confirm your National ID and TSC/PF numbers are correct in CP2.
- Documentation: Verify your attendance registers were signed, stamped and submitted to your Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE).
- Deployment records: If your centre or dates are missing, contact your SCDE with the centre code and service dates.
Why these payments matter
Timely KNEC exam payments are essential for professional respect and trust. Teachers and contracted staff sacrifice personal time and face logistical costs during exams. Paying them on time recognizes that contribution, reduces financial strain, and helps avoid industrial tension that can disrupt the school calendar.
What this means going forward
While the current disbursement solves the immediate backlog, stakeholders are urging the Ministry of Education and the Treasury to include exam compensation in baseline budgets. A more automated, budgeted system would reduce reliance on supplementary adjustments and avoid future delays in exam officials payments.
Where to find exam resources and practice materials
Teachers and students preparing for other assessments can use freely available resources for study and revision. For CBC practice and exam papers, see the CBC exam resources. For KCSE past papers and revision materials visit the KCSE past papers and revision page. Primary exam practice including KCPE resources is available at KCPE exam practice.
Frequently asked question
How long will it take to receive payment after correction? Once CP2 records are corrected and submitted, inclusion in the next payment batch varies but prompt action improves chances of being paid in the following cycle. KNEC processes transactions based on the data it receives, so early verification is important.
Final note
This disbursement marks a significant step in resolving the 2025 arrears. Teachers and exam officials who verify and correct their CP2 information are most likely to receive payments quickly. Accurate records, proper documentation and timely communication with local education offices will speed up the process and ensure fair compensation for exam duties.
