The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has issued a strong warning that it will direct teachers to step back from examination duties unless the government acts fast to improve their pay for this work.
Union leader Akello Misori announced the threat on Thursday, September 24th, saying that the money teachers currently receive for managing national exams is simply not enough. He made it clear that educators who work as examiners, supervisors, invigilators, and centre managers deserve better payment that matches the weight of their responsibilities.
The timing of this announcement is significant, as schools and examination officials across the country are preparing for the 2026 national assessment cycle, which is scheduled to kick off in October. If KUPPET makes good on its warning, the disruption could affect all levels of testing—from the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment all the way to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.
Misori pointed out that the situation has become almost ridiculous. He gave a stark comparison, noting that a centre organiser who holds a professional qualification is currently paid less than construction workers doing manual labour. This pay gap, he argued, is unfair and does not reflect the expertise and dedication teachers bring to these examination roles.
The union has called on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to urgently review the allowances given to teachers undertaking examination work. KUPPET believes this is a matter that demands immediate attention from the commission, which is responsible for setting public sector pay.
Beyond the exam allowances issue, KUPPET has also raised concerns about education reforms happening in parliament. The union has objected to six proposed Bills aimed at changing education laws, including the Basic Education Bill 2026.
Union officials have questioned whether these changes are being developed properly, arguing that policy must come before legislation and that the current approach skips important steps.
The National Assembly's Education Committee is conducting consultations across the country about these proposed reforms, with the consultation period extended to October 2nd to reach more counties.
However, KUPPET has called for these consultations to be suspended, saying there are concerns about how quickly the process is moving.
For now, the ball is in the government's court. How officials respond to KUPPET's demands will likely determine whether teachers' participation in the coming examination season proceeds smoothly or faces significant challenges.
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