KCSE Candidates to Collect Certificates from Government Offices, Not Schools

In a major policy shift, the government has announced that Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates will no longer be collected from schools but from sub-county education offices. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba made the announcement while addressing Members of Parliament, citing continued defiance by school principals in withholding certificates over unpaid fees.

The move is expected to benefit thousands of former students who have been unable to access higher education or employment due to schools retaining their academic documents. By centralizing the distribution process, the government aims to eliminate barriers that have historically disadvantaged students from financially strained backgrounds.

Concerns Over Compliance

Despite previous government directives, school principals have continued to withhold certificates over unpaid balances, arguing that institutions are owed over KSh 20 billion in fees. They claim that releasing the documents without payment would cripple schools financially. However, the government maintains that withholding certificates is illegal under the Basic Education Act, as it denies students opportunities for further studies and employment.

MPs on the Education Committee have been vocal in demanding stronger government intervention against schools that fail to release certificates. Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who chairs the committee, questioned what makes Ogamba’s directive different from those issued by past education ministers. In 2019, former Education CS George Magoha suggested that only students who were genuinely unable to pay should receive their certificates unconditionally, while those with the ability to clear balances should be required to do so.

Implications of the New Policy

The policy shift comes as Kenya phases out the 8-4-4 education system, with only three KCSE cohorts remaining before full implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). While Ogamba did not clarify whether the new directive will extend to CBC students, the decision is expected to have lasting effects on future certificate distribution models.

Education officials have warned school heads that non-compliance with the directive could result in legal action, including fines and other penalties. The government’s stance is clear: no student should be denied access to their certificate due to financial constraints.

With this latest development, affected students now have a clear path to obtaining their KCSE certificates, ensuring they can pursue further education or employment opportunities without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. However, whether school heads will comply without resistance remains to be seen.

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KCSE Candidates to Collect Certificates from Government Offices, Not Schools