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The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ/Ombudsman) has intervened to secure release of KCSE certificates for two former students.
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The students had allegedly been denied access to their certificates by former schools, affecting jobs and further education.
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The Ombudsman reiterated that certificates should not be withheld over disputes or school-related debts.
By Mercy Kokwon
The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), also known as the Ombudsman, has intervened to secure the release of KCSE certificates for two former students whose academic documents had allegedly been withheld by their former schools, in a move reinforcing government policy against using certificates to settle school-related disputes or debts.
The intervention follows separate complaints filed in March and April 2026 by two former students who claimed they were denied access to their KCSE certificates, a situation they said had blocked opportunities for employment and university admission.
In one case, a former student reported that Kisumazi Secondary School had withheld her certificate since 2023 despite repeated attempts to collect it. The school later told the Commission that the document was available, and the matter was resolved after the student collected it.
In a second case, St. Mary’s Boys High School, Ushanganyi released the KCSE certificate of former student after the Ombudsman intervened. The student had alleged that the school demanded Ksh6,400 for alleged textbook losses releasing the document, despite confirmation that he had cleared school requirements.
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The Commission engaged both institutions through formal correspondence and follow-ups, leading to the eventual release of the certificates. In its communication, the Ombudsman reiterated that withholding academic documents undermines access to education and employment opportunities.
“The withholding of academic certificates continues to disadvantage young people and contravenes government directives on unconditional release of examination documents,” the Commission noted.
The cases highlight ongoing concerns over some schools that still retain certificates over administrative disputes, despite clear Ministry of Education directives prohibiting the practice. The Ombudsman has urged affected students to seek redress through its office as enforcement of compliance intensifies nationwide.
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