Ministry Orders Immediate Release of KCSE Certificates Regardless of Fee Arrears

The Ministry of Education has issued a stern directive demanding all secondary schools to immediately release Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates to students, regardless of outstanding fee balances. 

Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, in a communication to County Directors of Education dated April 1, stated that withholding certificates is a violation of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act, 2012. The Act explicitly prohibits schools from denying students access to their academic credentials for any reason, and the directive aims to address widespread complaints from students and parents who have been affected by this practice.

"You are hereby directed to instruct all secondary schools within your respective jurisdictions to immediately release KCSE certificates to the affected students upon request," he said.

The Ministry views KCSE certificates as crucial tools for further education and economic advancement, making their unconditional release a matter of urgency. County Directors have been tasked with enforcing the directive within their jurisdictions and submitting compliance reports to the Ministry within two weeks. 

"Schools are advised to utilise the established legal frameworks and alternative lawful methods to recover outstanding fees without withholding certificates," the directive reads.

The government is urging learning institutions to pursue lawful and alternative methods for recovering fee arrears, steering clear of punitive measures that could compromise students' futures. The Ministry's intervention follows previous remarks by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who emphasized that no student should be denied their certificates due to financial hardships. 

Ogamba highlighted the detrimental impact of such practices on vulnerable students, often leading to despair, substance abuse, or acceptance of low-paying employment. This latest action reflects the government's broader commitment to equitable access to education and employment opportunities.