The Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos, has ordered all schools to immediately release the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) certificates, including the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates, that have been withheld from students who have completed their exams.
Speaking on Monday, March 17, Migos stated that schools have no right to withhold students' certificates, describing the practice as illegal and against the law.
He emphasised that no student should be denied access to their documents due to financial struggles. Many schools in Kenya withhold certificates because of unpaid school fees.
Migos has instructed county education directors to investigate the situation and submit a full report within 14 days to ensure that schools comply with the directive.
The CS urged school principals and headteachers to comply immediately and warned of serious action against those who fail to release the certificates.
In past years, many students and parents have struggled due to withheld certificates. Without these documents, most students cannot continue their studies, while others are unable to apply for jobs.
Migos stated that the government is fully committed to ensuring that all learners in the country receive equal treatment and are not penalised for lacking school fees.
This comes after many parents and students raised these concerns with the government. School fees have largely been the main contributing factor to schools withholding certificates.
Some school heads, on the other hand, argue that fee arrears affect the running of schools, making it difficult to provide resources for other students.
According to Migos, the Ministry will continue to monitor schools closely to ensure that all students receive their certificates without any conditions.
Parents and students are encouraged to report any school that refuses to release certificates so that action can be taken.
This directive will help many students who have been waiting for years to receive their certificates and move forward with their education and careers.
