Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok has directed an immediate end to withholding Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates due to unpaid school fees. Announced via a circular on April 1, 2025, this directive aims to eliminate financial obstacles for students pursuing academic and professional opportunities.
Secondary schools must release KCSE certificates to students upon request, regardless of unpaid balances. This policy addresses a long-standing issue that has limited students’ ability to further their education or gain employment. Bitok pointed out that withholding certificates violates the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act of 2012, which forbids such practices.
Bitok stressed the importance of certificates for higher education and employment. “Certificates are essential tools for students’ futures,” he said. “Financial hardships beyond students’ control should not hinder them.”
County Directors of Education will oversee compliance with this directive and report progress to the Ministry of Education within 14 days. Schools are encouraged to recover unpaid fees through lawful methods like dialogue with parents or civil cases, rather than withholding certificates.
Many students and parents have complained about the emotional and financial struggles caused by unpaid fees and withheld certificates. These barriers have led to depression, substance abuse, and abandoned academic dreams.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has suggested distributing KCSE certificates through sub-county education offices instead of schools. This approach aims to prevent principals from defying Ministry directives or withholding certificates intentionally.
By Grace Githinji
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