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In mid‑2025, the government reduced allocations for Free Primary Education and cut capitation for junior‑ and secondary‑school students. Primary school funding dropped from KSh 9.1 billion to KSh 7 billion, while junior and secondary schools saw cuts of KSh 1.8 billion and KSh 10 billion respectively. As a result, the policy of waiving national exam fees is being withdrawn — ending a benefit enjoyed by learners since 2016. The reduction comes amid rising costs and tighter fiscal conditions, sparking concern among parents and education stakeholders.