Release Withheld KCPE, KCSE Certificates, Schools Heads Warned
Holding student certificates over fee arrears is a common practice in many schools in Kenya, as it is a way for the school to ensure that they receive payment for the education they have provided.
However, the Government of Kenya has implemented measures to prohibit schools from withholding results or certificates as a means of collecting fees, so it would be illegal for schools to do so.
It is also important to note that the government also provides free primary and secondary education to all students and caters to fewer privileged students.
John Mukunji, a member of parliament from Manyatta, wants public secondary school principals who are holding students’ certificates due to unpaid fees to release them.
On Wednesday, when addressing his people, the representative criticized a section of public day secondary school principals who were still holding the certificates of their KCSE candidates, claiming that this was impeding the academic advancement of the afflicted students.
He emphasized the significance of KCSE certificates in the contemporary world, repeating that a student who lacks this certification cannot find a job or continue his study.
“I am going to warn all the principals…
please as long as it is a public day secondary school, release certificates of students, so that they continue with their lives and they will come back and thank you later when they have degrees or diplomas and be grateful to your school,” Mukunji said.
The politician stated that because the government-funded schools, school administrators should not deny students their certificates as a form of punishment.
“Release their certificates and allow them to continue with their studies. There is no school which is allowed to incur debts so you cannot claim they owe anyone… you have been funded by the government,” he stated.
MP Mukunji simultaneously urged President William Ruto to formalize the directive allowing Form 4 graduates to continue their education.
He made an appeal to the president to issue an order that all certificates from public secondary schools be released to students so that they can continue their studies at TVETS, colleges, and universities.
Dr. Julius Jwan, the principal secretary for education, recently issued a directive instructing all county directors of education to ensure that all primary and secondary school principals in their custody distribute student certificates free of charge.
“The Ministry of Education has sent numerous reminders and circulars to schools through the field officers warning them against the introduction of extra levies, withholding KCPE/KCSE certificates and conducting illegal tuition during the weekend and school holidays,” Jwan said on November 2022.
Release Withheld KCPE, KCSE Certificates, Schools Heads Warned