Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has directed all schools to immediately release Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) certificates that have been withheld from students who have completed their exams.
The directive covers both the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates.
Speaking on Monday, Migos condemned the practice of withholding certificates, terming it illegal and unjust.
He reiterated that no student should be denied access to their academic documents due to financial constraints, a situation that has left many unable to pursue further education or secure employment.
“Schools have no right to withhold students’ certificates. This is against the law, and action will be taken against any institution that fails to comply,” Migos stated.
To enforce the directive, the CS has instructed county education directors to investigate the situation in their respective regions and submit a comprehensive report within 14 days. He warned that stern action will be taken against school heads who fail to release the certificates as required.
For years, many students and parents have faced difficulties due to schools retaining certificates over unpaid fees. This has significantly hindered students’ ability to further their education or enter the job market. While some school administrators argue that unpaid school fees affect operations and the provision of resources, the government maintains that students should not be penalized for financial difficulties.
Migos Emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all learners, regardless of their financial background. He urged affected students and parents to report non-compliant schools to the Ministry of Education for appropriate action.