The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has moved to calm examiners marking the 2025 KCSE exams, announcing late on Sunday that all teachers who have completed their work and left centers have been fully paid their coordination fees, while those still marking will receive payment before departure.

The clarification follows last week’s protests at several venues, including Mary Hill Girls’ High School in Thika, where more than 800 English Paper 2 examiners downed tools over delayed allowances. Demonstrators demanded the Ksh5,000 coordination fee promised within days of the November 30 start, citing repeated delays in 2021–2023.

KNEC stressed: “All examiners for all papers will be paid the coordination fees before they leave the marking centres.” Specific subjects already cleared include Physics Paper 2, Biology Papers 1–3, Agriculture Papers 1–2, Chemistry Paper 3, and Computer Studies Paper 2.

Marking is scheduled to conclude Monday, December 15, with results slated for release in early January 2026 to facilitate senior school placements under the Competency-Based Curriculum.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, who opened the exercise in November, has not commented publicly, though sources say the ministry is monitoring closely to prevent further disruptions.

The incident underscores perennial grievances: examiners endure long hours in confined centers with modest stipends, yet delays persist despite KNEC’s digitised payment systems. Unions such as KUPPET have long demanded better terms, including upfront partial payments.

With more than 900,000 candidates awaiting results, KNEC’s assurance is aimed at restoring calm and keeping the tight release timeline on track.