Treasury Defends Government Over Scrapping of Examination Fee Waiver

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has articulated the rationale behind the government’s decision to discontinue the national examinations fee waiver.

Mbadi stated that the fiscal blueprint for 2025/26 cannot sustain full coverage of examination fees. However, a targeted subsidy will remain in place to assist students from economically disadvantaged households.

He explained that the policy shift is designed to curtail government expenditure and redirect resources toward critical sectors of the economy as part of efforts to minimize reliance on external borrowing.

The CS acknowledged the economic disparities among Kenyan families, noting that the waiver was previously enjoyed indiscriminately, including by students from affluent backgrounds.

He assured the public that a robust framework will be established to determine the eligibility criteria for students qualifying for the examination fee subsidy.

Mbadi also clarified that this year’s examinations have already been accounted for under the outgoing fiscal year’s budget, ensuring no disruptions for learners sitting the 2025 exams.

The waiver, originally introduced in 2015 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, was initially restricted to public school students before being extended to private schools in 2017.