Govt Orders Schools to Release Withheld KCSE & KCPE Certificates Immediately
In a bold move to protect students’ rights, the Kenyan government has ordered school principals across the country to release all withheld national examination certificates, including Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) documents.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura made the announcement on Monday, April 14, issuing a stern warning to principals still holding onto student certificates over fee-related issues. He emphasized that such actions are unlawful and go against the fundamental rights of learners.
“The government will not tolerate this continued impunity, and stern actions will be taken against schools who continue to defy this directive,” Mwaura said during a press briefing.
14-Day Ultimatum for Reports
The Ministry of Education has directed all county directors of education to compile and submit a comprehensive report on uncollected certificates in their counties within the next 14 days. The aim is to account for all outstanding cases and ensure affected students receive their academic credentials without further delay.
“The ministry has been instructed to take immediate and firm action against any individual who continues to defy this directive,” Mwaura added.
Legal Implications for Defiant Principals
Citing children’s rights laws, Mwaura stressed that an academic certificate is the legal property of the student and cannot be used as leverage for unpaid school fees. He reiterated that denying students their certificates undermines Kenya’s education system and the future prospects of many young people.
“Denying any student access to their academic credentials compromises the rights of the child,” he said.
Certificates to Be Collected from Subcounty Offices
This development follows remarks by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogomba on March 17, where he revealed plans for a new centralized system for distributing certificates. Going forward, students will collect their documents directly from Subcounty Education offices, bypassing schools altogether.
“Schools do not have the right to withhold students’ certificates,” CS Ogomba stated, branding the practice as both unethical and illegal.
Parliament Voices Concern
On March 19, the National Assembly Committee on Education raised concerns over the growing number of students who have been locked out of formal employment or higher education opportunities due to missing academic certificates. Many end up in informal and untrained labor sectors, which the committee called a national concern.
A Timely Move Ahead of CBC Transition
The directive comes at a critical time as Kenya phases out the 8-4-4 education system. Only three cohorts remain to sit the KCSE under the outgoing system, with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) set to fully take over.
The government’s latest action is seen as a strong step toward ensuring that every student, regardless of their financial background, gets access to their rightful academic documentation.
In other news:Govt Proposes to Scrap KNEC, Embrace AI for Exam Marking in Major Education Shake-Up
Govt Orders Schools to Release Withheld KCSE & KCPE Certificates Immediately