Education CS Warns All Schools Concerning KCSE And KCPE Certificates

The Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos, has issued a strong directive ordering all schools across Kenya to immediately release all Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) certificates that have been withheld from students.

This includes the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates, which many students have been unable to access due to various reasons, primarily outstanding school fees.

Speaking on Monday, March 17, Migos emphasized that schools have no legal right to withhold these crucial academic documents. He described the practice as unlawful and a violation of students’ rights, warning that any institution found to be in non-compliance would face severe consequences.

The CS reiterated that no student should be denied their certificates because of financial struggles. Many schools in Kenya have a longstanding practice of holding onto certificates when students leave without clearing all their school fees.

While schools argue that fee arrears make it difficult to run institutions effectively, Migos insisted that this should not come at the expense of students’ futures.

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For years, thousands of students have been left in limbo, unable to proceed with higher education or secure jobs due to the lack of these documents. Many of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds where paying school fees is a significant challenge.

Without their certificates, they find themselves unable to enroll in colleges, apply for scholarships, or secure employment opportunities, effectively blocking them from advancing in life.

To ensure full adherence to this directive, Migos has instructed county education directors to investigate the matter in their respective regions. They have been given 14 days to compile and submit comprehensive reports on whether schools are complying with the directive.

This will help the government monitor and enforce compliance while identifying any institutions that continue to withhold certificates despite the order.

Migos also issued a stern warning to school principals and headteachers, stating that those who refuse to release the certificates will face strict disciplinary action.

The government, he assured, is fully committed to ensuring that all learners in Kenya receive fair and equal treatment, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Over the years, parents and students have raised numerous complaints regarding withheld certificates. Many have pleaded with the government to intervene, arguing that education should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it.

The rising cost of education, coupled with economic hardships, has made it difficult for many families to clear school fee arrears, leading to increased cases of students being denied their certificates.

On the other hand, school administrators argue that running schools requires money, and unpaid fees negatively impact their ability to provide quality education and resources for other students.

However, Migos maintained that while financial constraints are a valid concern for institutions, they should not be used as a reason to block students from progressing in their education and careers.

Migos assured parents and students that the Ministry of Education will continue monitoring schools closely to ensure full compliance with this directive. He encouraged affected students and parents to report any school that refuses to release certificates so that immediate action can be taken.

“The government will not allow any institution to hold students’ futures hostage. Every child has the right to access their academic documents without conditions. We urge all school heads to comply with this directive without delay,” Migos stated.

This new directive is expected to bring relief to thousands of students who have been waiting for years to obtain their certificates. It will enable many of them to move forward with their education, seek employment, and improve their lives.

As the government tightens its grip on enforcing this order, schools that continue withholding certificates risk facing serious penalties.

The Education Ministry remains firm on its stance that no student should suffer due to financial difficulties, and this move signals a major step toward ensuring fairness in Kenya’s education system.

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