The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced that the 2024 KCPE and KCSE examination certificates have been dispatched to all schools nationwide.
The council, in a statement on Thursday, December 18, announced that the certificates were distributed through the Sub-County Director of Education offices countrywide.
"Candidates are advised to liaise with the schools where they sat the examinations to collect the certificates," KNEC stated.
KNEC further issued a warning to schools against withholding students' certificates, even in cases of unpaid school fees, stating that it was unlawful for schools to deny candidates access to their certificates. It directed affected students to report such cases to the sub-county director of education.
"Any candidate whose certificate is withheld should report to the sub-county director of education," the council stated.
This move, authorities say, aims to protect students' rights and ensure timely access to their academic credentials, which are crucial for further education and employment.
The warning comes amid longstanding complaints that some schools retain KCSE certificates as a means of forcing parents and students to clear outstanding school fee arrears, a practice KNEC now insists is unlawful.
Most principals argue that releasing documents without the students clearing their fee balances leaves the school with a financial burden, citing difficulties in following up with the students after they have left.
Schools also hold certificates in cases where a student fails to return school properties, such as textbooks, laboratory equipment, and other materials provided by the school to facilitate learning. Some schools also retain the certificates for unresolved disciplinary cases.
Earlier in 2025, the Ministry of Education issued a 14-day ultimatum for schools to release all certificates that had been withheld due to various reasons.
Education officials warned that school heads who defy these directives would face legal action and possibly a jail term.
"Holding a student's Certificate when they have completed school based on either school fees or that a student lost a book is unlawful," Education CS Julius Ogamba stated on March 24, 2025.
The ministry further stated that, starting in 2025, candidates would collect their certificates from the sub-county education director's offices instead of schools.
