The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has directed all heads of institutions to immediately release national examination certificates to learners, warning that withholding them is unlawful and will attract disciplinary action.
According to a circular dated 24th February,2026, TSC Acting CEO Eveleen Mitei, acknowledged that the Commission continues to receive complaints from parents, guardians, and learners that some schools are irregularly withholding Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates. Mitei emphasized that this practice persists despite clear legal provisions and official guidelines prohibiting it.
The circular reminds school heads that Section 10(1)(b) of the Kenya National Examinations Council Act, 2012, requires KNEC to issue certificates to eligible candidates, and once issued, no person or institution is permitted to withhold them. It further cites Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to education, including unrestricted access to academic credentials.
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The Basic Education Act of 2013 also prohibits institutions from restricting learners’ access to educational opportunities or their academic records. In addition, the TSC Act, the Code of Regulations for Teachers, and the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers (2015) require teachers to act lawfully, ethically, and in the best interest of learners at all times.
Mitei warned that withholding certificates due to fee arrears, unresolved disciplinary issues, or other administrative reasons is illegal, irregular, and unacceptable. She ordered that all KCPE and KCSE certificates currently held in schools must be released immediately to learners or their authorized guardians without any conditions attached.
She cautioned that any teacher or head of institution who contravenes this directive will face disciplinary measures in line with TSC regulations.
Heads of institutions are further advised to uphold professional ethics, safeguard the rights and dignity of learners, and ensure compliance with the law and relevant policies.
To enforce the directive, TSC Regional and County Directors, working jointly with the Ministry of Education, have been tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting cases of non-compliance for appropriate action.
By Masaki Enock
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