CS Ogamba: Schools have two weeks to release withheld KCSE, KCPE certificates
Ogamba termed the practice of withholding the certificates illegal and unacceptable instructing all schools to release them immediately.
All school heads have 14 days to release all withheld Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) certificates or face disciplinary action, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has warned.
The directive follows concerns across the country that students who sat for national exams, such as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), are unable to further their education or secure employment due to withheld documents over unpaid school fees.
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Speaking on Monday, Ogamba termed the practice of withholding the certificates illegal and unacceptable instructing all schools to release them immediately.
He emphasised that all candidates are, by law, entitled to their certificates upon release of their results when the certificates are delivered to their respective schools.
“We have received reports from various quarters to the effect that some schools are withholding KNEC certificates from candidates who sat the examinations in their institutions. Some of these certificates are withheld, ostensibly because of unpaid school fees. Section 10 (1b) of the Kenya National Examinations Council Act 2012 prohibits institutions or persons from withholding KNEC certificates or diplomas from the candidates.
“Any school that is withholding KNEC certificates should release them to the candidates immediately. County directors of education shall furnish my office with reports on compliance with this directive within 14 days from today. The ministry, together with the Teachers Service Commission, will take prompt and decisive action against any offending teacher in line with the Code of Regulations.”
Many schools in Kenya retain students’ certificates over unpaid school fees, leaving thousands of school leavers stranded every year. Parents and students have raised concerns, urging the government to intervene.
Migos assured affected students that the government is committed to ensuring all learners receive equal treatment and are not disadvantaged due to financial constraints.
“This government will not allow students to be penalised for lacking school fees. Every student deserves their certificate,” he said.
While schools argue that unpaid fees impact their ability to operate efficiently, Migos maintained that this should not justify withholding certificates. He encouraged affected students and parents to report any school that fails to comply with the directive.
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