Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has intensified pressure on the government to urgently clear outstanding payments owed to teachers, examiners, invigilators and supervisors who handled national examinations between 2019 and 2025.
Speaking in the Senate during a heated contribution, the vocal legislator accused the government of neglecting education workers who he said have been waiting for years to receive their rightful dues despite delivering critical services in the national examinations process.
Karungo questioned government priorities, arguing that while public funds are often allocated to other areas, teachers and examination officials continue to be sidelined. “This government has money to waste, has money to bribe, but no money for teachers,” he said, adding that those involved in marking and supervising national exams deserve full compensation without further delay.
The senator raised concern over what he termed as a pattern of delayed payments affecting professionals who play a key role in Kenya’s education system. He singled out examiners and support staff who have reportedly gone unpaid since 2019, despite their continued participation in national examinations.
As the National Treasury prepares to present the upcoming Budget Estimates, Karungo challenged the government to clarify whether provisions have been made to settle the outstanding arrears. He questioned whether the upcoming financial plan had factored in the pending obligations, insisting that failure to do so would amount to continued neglect of education workers.
The senator also criticised what he described as symbolic gestures towards teachers, including State House engagements accompanied by small cash tokens, saying such actions do not replace proper payment for work done. He argued that education professionals who dedicate their time to marking, supervising and managing national examinations should not be subjected to prolonged uncertainty over their earnings.
Karungo’s remarks reflect growing frustration among teachers and examination officials who have raised concerns over delayed payments, some stretching back several years. Many of those affected have repeatedly called for the government to regularise and prioritise their dues.
He emphasised that the individuals in question have already fulfilled their responsibilities in ensuring the smooth administration of national examinations, which millions of Kenyan learners depend on for academic progression.
The senator’s intervention is expected to renew debate in Parliament over pending liabilities in the education sector and broader questions of budget prioritisation. Education stakeholders are now closely watching the budget process to see whether the government will respond to the concerns or continue deferring payment commitments.
As pressure mounts, Karungo has maintained that settling teachers’ arrears is not just a financial issue but a matter of fairness and respect for professionals who support the country’s education system.
