Education CS Julius Ogamba has revealed that the government will soon start using drones to deliver national assessment papers to schools.

Ogamba told the National Assembly Committee on Education that the Ministry is working to establish a framework for the adoption of drone technology since the exams are normally held during the rainy season.

Lawmakers engaged Ministry of Education officials led by the CS and officials from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) for a briefing on the status of the ongoing 2025 national examinations.

Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly, raised concerns about the impact of heavy rains and specifically flooding affecting the Tana River and mudslides in Murang’a, on examination administration.

CS Ogamba Gives Measures to Counter Rains

CS Migos assured the committee that comprehensive measures are in place to ensure all candidates sit their exams.

“We have a command center at KNEC HQ, and we are receiving live updates from areas where there is flooding,” the CS stated. Highlighting the robust contingency plan, he added, “We do have other modes of transport, including helicopters on stand-by to make sure every candidate will do an exam.”

Over 3.4 million candidates are currently undertaking Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA), Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA), and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (KCSE) according to the Ministry of Education.

“The examinations began on October 21st will run until November 21st are being conducted in 32,834 centres for KPSEA and 10,765 centres for KCSE,” Ogamba stated.

According to documents submitted, the Ministry anticipates the release of KPSEA and KILEA results by December 2025, and KCSE results by January 2026.

Also Read: Why 6000 Primary & Secondary Schools Will Not Receive Govt Funds

Financial Constraints

CS Migos confirmed financial constraint, noting that the approved recurrent budget allocation of Ksh. 5.9 billion for national assessments was against a total requirement of Ksh. 12.723 billion, leaving an initial deficit of Ksh. 6.8 billion.

While a supplementary grant of Ksh. 3.1 billion reduced the gap, the deficit remains at Ksh. 3.723 billion.

“Every year we make a presentation on the budget,” CS Migos explained. “We are trying to work with the treasury to ensure that once the budget is presented, on issues such as examination amounts are not slashed.”

The Ministry has formally sought an additional budget from the National Treasury to cover this deficit and clear outstanding bills.

Also Read: CS Ogamba Speaks Out Amid Nationwide Lecturers’ Strike

Illegal Fees and Capitation

Another MP brought up reports of schools illegally charging parents for examinations, noting that the government is responsible for funding the process.

CS Migos reiterated the government’s official position and promised strict action against non-compliant institutions.

“We take disciplinary action against the schools. We have not issued any instructions to any school to ask parents for money. By law, it is the responsibility of the government,” he affirmed.

Weighing in on the matter of delayed capitation funds, which are critical for school operations and running examinations, Hon. Rebecca Tonkei who cited a secondary school in Narok County that had never received the funds.

“Capitation affects examinations. I have a secondary school in Narok County that has never received capitation and is supposed to run examinations. What are you doing about it,” Tonkei asked.

CS Migos disclosed that 29 schools have not received their capitation funds, clarifying that these are newly established schools. He attributed a broader capitation issue to a verification exercise.

“The capitation released on the 3rd term was based on the results of the verification exercise. Over 900 primary and secondary schools that had not released information for their numbers to the ministry for capitation,” the CS stated. Addressing the 29 secondary schools, he stressed, “We are working on it.”

However, the Committee expressed serious concern, with the Chairperson noting the severity of the capitation issue and directing the CS to appear before the committee to address that matter.

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National Assembly Education Committee meeting with Cs of Education Julius Ogamba
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