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Perennial delay of examiners’ pay wrong
Kisumu Boys High School students under supervision in the exam hall during a KCSE examination.
The integrity of any nation’s education system rests not only on policy and curriculum, but also on the dedication of those entrusted with implementing it.
In Kenya, teachers who supervise and invigilate national examinations play a critical role in safeguarding fairness, credibility and order during one of the most sensitive academic processes. Yet, the recent delays in compensating these teachers by raises serious concerns about how we value their contribution.
Every year, thousands of teachers across the country step away from their normal routines to oversee national exams. They endure long hours, heightened pressure and strict accountability measures to ensure that examinations run smoothly and without malpractices.
This is not just an administrative duty—it is a national service. However, when payment for such work is delayed for months after the exams, it sends a troubling message: that their effort is secondary, and their welfare is negotiable.
Late payments have real consequences. Many teachers rely on these allowances to meet essential financial obligations, including school fees for their children, rent and daily expenses. Delays, therefore, disrupt their financial planning and can cause unnecessary stress. It is ironic that those entrusted with maintaining discipline and punctuality during exams are subject to a system that fails to uphold those very values.
Furthermore, such delays risk demoralising teachers. Motivation is a key factor in ensuring diligence and integrity during exams. When teachers feel undervalued or exploited, it may gradually erode their commitment. While professionalism often compels them to perform their duties regardless, sustained neglect can lead to reduced enthusiasm and, in the worst cases, compromise the quality of exam administration.
The issue also points to broader systemic inefficiencies. In an era where financial transactions can be processed quickly and transparently, prolonged delays suggest either poor planning, bureaucratic bottlenecks, or mismanagement of resources.
The examination council must prioritise timely payment as a matter of policy, not convenience.
Bonny Mutai, Bomet
