Government To Release 2024 KCSE Certificates This Week

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogomba, has officially announced that the government will release the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates in the coming week.

Speaking during a public engagement in Kisii County on Sunday, April 27, CS Ogomba emphasized the importance of principals ensuring that students collect their certificates promptly upon release.

The CS underlined that the timely distribution and collection of these certificates is critical, as they serve as a gateway to further education, employment, and other life opportunities for the students. “Certificates for the 2024 KCSE examinations will be out this coming week,” Ogomba stated.

“I urge all principals to actively reach out to their former students and ensure that they come to collect their certificates so that they can pursue jobs, higher education, and other crucial ventures.”

Beyond the immediate release of certificates, the Education Cabinet Secretary also turned his attention to university enrollment, urging guardians and students to act swiftly before the looming application deadline.

He reminded students who qualified for university admission to ensure their applications are completed by April 30, 2025. According to the Ministry of Education, as of now, the university enrollment rate stands at approximately 72 percent.

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“We are working diligently to enroll all students who attained a minimum grade of C+ and above in the 2024 KCSE examinations,” Ogomba said. “I appeal to students who have not yet applied to do so immediately, before the deadline closes. Higher education remains a key pillar in shaping the future of our nation.”

The 2024 KCSE examinations saw a total of 962,512 candidates sit for the tests across the country. Out of these, 246,391 students achieved a grade of C+ and above, qualifying them for placement in public and private universities under the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

In a related development, CS Ogomba issued a stern warning to school principals who continue to unlawfully withhold examination certificates over pending fee balances. He revealed that the Ministry of Education would initiate a nationwide crackdown beginning next week to ensure full compliance with government directives concerning the release of academic documents.

“Recently, I issued a clear directive that all withheld certificates must be released to the students without any conditions attached,” he reiterated. “That deadline has since elapsed, and from next week, we will not hesitate to take action against any principal or school that defies this directive. These certificates are the property of the students and not bargaining tools.”

This hardline stance from the Education Ministry follows a similar statement made earlier this month by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. On Monday, April 14, Mwaura emphasized that the unlawful detention of examination certificates violates the constitutional rights of students and undermines the credibility of the country’s education system.

He warned that principals found guilty of such practices would face serious disciplinary measures, including legal action.

“Denying any student access to their academic credentials compromises the foundation of our education system and infringes upon the fundamental rights of children,” Mwaura said. “The government is determined to end this impunity, and we shall take stern measures against any institutions or individuals that continue to defy this order.”

In a further effort to streamline the distribution process, CS Ogomba announced that the government is exploring a plan where students will collect their certificates directly from sub-county education offices instead of their former schools. This move is aimed at reducing cases of withheld certificates and ensuring a centralized, more efficient collection system.

The Education Ministry’s decisive actions underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring that no student is denied access to the academic qualifications they have rightfully earned. As the release of the 2024 KCSE certificates approaches, students, parents, and educators alike are being called upon to play their part in ensuring a smooth, fair, and timely collection process.

Read Also: KUCCPS Opens One-Week Application Window for KCSE Candidates, How To Apply