The recent release of the May/June 2025 KNEC exam results for private candidates marks a significant milestone for thousands of students and their families. While the results bring a mix of joy and anxiety, they also highlight a deeper, more pressing issue in Kenya's economy: the growing burden of household debt. This financial strain is directly linked to the government's ambitious plans to fund mega-projects, creating a complex and challenging economic environment for the average Kenyan.
The Double-Edged Sword of Education Costs
For many Kenyan households, preparing for national exams is a significant financial undertaking. From school fees to tuition and revision materials, the cost of education has been steadily rising. While the government has made efforts to inject funds into the education sector, the financial burden on parents remains substantial. This often forces families to take on debt, whether through formal loans or informal borrowing, to ensure their children can sit for these crucial examinations. The release of results, while a moment of truth, can also be a source of financial stress, as it determines future educational paths and the associated costs.
At the same time, Kenya is grappling with a precarious public debt situation. According to recent data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), total public debt stood at KSh 11.5 trillion as of May 2025. This rising debt, coupled with ballooning interest payments, is a major concern. The government’s heavy borrowing, both domestically and externally, is a key strategy for financing its ambitious development agenda and a wide range of mega-projects.
Mega-Projects vs. The Micro-Economy
The government’s plan to fund massive infrastructure projects, such as the revival of the Galana Kulalu food security project, the Siaya Referral Hospital, and the expansion of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, is a central part of its development strategy. While these projects are touted as essential for long-term economic growth, critics argue that the methods used to finance them place an immense burden on citizens. The government is seeking to raise a substantial portion of these funds through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), but the overall debt load continues to grow.
This reliance on debt to fund mega-projects has a direct and often negative impact on the average Kenyan household. A significant portion of the country's revenue is now being used for debt servicing, which can lead to reduced spending on essential social services and an increased tax burden on citizens. This squeeze on public finances and household incomes creates a difficult situation for many who are already struggling with the high cost of living.
The paradox is clear: while the government pursues a top-down development model focused on large-scale infrastructure, many citizens are struggling to make ends meet at the micro-economic level. The funds that could be used to alleviate household debt or support small businesses are instead being channeled into projects that, in some cases, have stalled or have yet to yield the expected returns. This disconnect fuels a sense of frustration among a populace that feels it is bearing the cost of development without reaping the immediate benefits.
Ultimately, the release of exam results and the government’s push for mega-projects are two sides of the same coin. They both highlight the immense pressure on Kenyan families to invest in their future, while also raising critical questions about how the nation as a whole is managing its resources. The success of Vision 2030 will not be measured by the number of mega-projects completed but by the economic stability and well-being of its citizens.
