Education Ministry orders schools to release withheld KCSE certificates
PS Bitok reminded schools that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act, 2012, explicitly bars withholding examination certificates for any reason, including unpaid fees.
The Ministry of Education has directed schools to release Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates without delay and utilise legal avenues to recover unpaid fees.
The measure aims to safeguard students from being denied their certificates, which are essential for further education or employment.
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In a circular dated April 1, 2025, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok instructed County Directors of Education to enforce compliance. Each director must ensure all secondary schools under their jurisdiction adhere to the order and submit a detailed compliance report within 14 days.
“The circular further directs learning institutions to pursue alternative channels for recovering outstanding balances,” Bitok stated, emphasising that withholding certificates over fee arrears is prohibited.
PS Bitok reminded schools that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act, 2012, explicitly bars withholding examination certificates for any reason, including unpaid fees.
“You are hereby directed to instruct all secondary schools within your respective jurisdictions to release KCSE certificates to affected students immediately upon request,” he said.
The certificates are vital for students, enabling them to advance their studies or secure employment. The Ministry’s intervention highlights its commitment to removing financial barriers to students’ progress.
The directive follows a recent warning by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who stressed that no student should be denied their certificate due to outstanding fees. Ogamba highlighted how such practices disproportionately disadvantage learners from less privileged backgrounds, derailing their academic and professional aspirations.
County Directors now face a strict 14-day deadline to confirm schools’ compliance and document steps taken to recover fees through lawful means.
Officials anticipate the move will alleviate financial pressure on students and ensure timely access to critical credentials.
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