Government Issues Fresh Warning Over Withheld KCPE and KCSE Certificates

The government has issued a fresh warning to school heads over the continued withholding of KCPE and KCSE certificates from students due to unpaid fees.

Speaking on Monday, April 14, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura expressed concern that some schools were still defying government orders to release the certificates, despite several directives issued earlier.

He stated that such actions are not only illegal but also infringe on students' rights, adding that the government will now take disciplinary action against any schools and principals found culpable.

“A national exam certificate belongs to the student. Withholding it over fee balances undermines the core principles of our education system and violates children's rights,” Mwaura said.

He added that firm measures would be taken against any institutions that continue to flout the directive.

The Ministry of Education has instructed County Directors of Education to submit reports within 14 days on the status of all uncollected certificates. Any principal implicated will face both disciplinary and legal consequences.

This comes after Education CS Julius Ogamba, on March 17, directed all schools to release withheld certificates, noting that some had been held for over a decade.

Ogamba maintained that while schools may be owed money, holding on to certificates was unlawful. He urged school administrations to explore other ways of recovering debts instead of punishing learners.

“Holding certificates over lost books or broken windows is not acceptable. Schools must find lawful alternatives to recover dues,” he said.