MPs Propose Special Fund for National Examiners and Invigilators
A proposal has been made by two Kenyan senators, Esther Okenyuri and Ledama Ole Kina, for the government to establish a special fund to pay national examiners and invigilators.
This move is hoped to resolve the issue of delayed payments to examiners which has been ongoing for years, despite protests and sometimes go-slows by the examiners.
The senators have also suggested that government officials who cause these delays should be surcharged on cumulative interests and penalties.
They have requested that the Senate Education committee investigate the steps that can be taken by the Kenyan National Examinations Council (Knec) to ensure that teachers are paid without any further delays.
The account that would be allocated for the fund would be filled with the money paid by students to sit for the two national examinations.
Ole Kina argues that this is the most logical way to solve the issue, as it ensures that the money that is paid by students is used to pay the teachers who mark their exams.
He also states that a motion should be approved so that Parliament can make its position clear on this matter.
The senator highlights that if their sitting allowances are delayed, they would complain and everything would come to a standstill, yet the teachers who mark the exams are being paid very little and have to wait months to receive their pay.
Knec has previously stated that its operations have been hindered due to delays in funding. Nominated Senator Beatrice Oyomo has stated that it is unfortunate that results are released and celebrated nationally, yet the teachers who have sacrificed for the success of the exams are still not fully paid.
“This shows a lack of gratitude to teachers for the sacrifice they make while marking the exams,” Oyomo said.
If the proposal is approved, it would put an end to the ongoing issue of delayed payments to examiners and ensure that teachers are paid promptly and fairly for their work. It would also ensure that the Knec is able to operate efficiently without any delays in funding.
MPs Propose Special Fund for National Examiners and Invigilators