CS Ogamba warns principals against withholding KNEC certificates, threatens disciplinary action

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has warned school principals against withholding examination certificates, cautioning that those found unlawfully denying learners the documents could face disciplinary action and legal proceedings.

The warning comes amid reports that some school principals continue to withhold certificates issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), potentially obstructing learners’ transition to further education, access to scholarships and pursuit of employment opportunities.

Ogamba has previously maintained that schools cannot use candidates’ examination certificates as leverage to recover unpaid school fees or settle other outstanding obligations. In March 2025, he directed schools to release withheld Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates and gave school heads 14 days to comply.

The Cabinet Secretary has also indicated that the Ministry of Education, working with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), could take action against officials who defy lawful directives on the release of certificates.

The warning places school administrators on notice that disputes over fees and other school obligations should be pursued through lawful channels rather than by denying former learners access to their academic documents.

Section 10(1)(b) of the Kenya National Examinations Council Act, 2012, has been cited by the Ministry of Education in addressing the withholding of examination certificates.

The legal position means that school administrators should not assume they have an unrestricted right to retain certificates belonging to candidates who have completed their examinations.

Where a principal is found to have unlawfully withheld a certificate, the matter may attract administrative or disciplinary action, while legal proceedings may follow where the circumstances and applicable law warrant them.

Any action against an individual official should, however, be based on established facts and undertaken in accordance with the relevant legal and disciplinary procedures.

Withholding certificates can prevent learners from completing admission requirements for senior schools, colleges, universities and vocational training institutions.

Where an institution requires an original certificate or prescribed proof of academic qualifications, failure to produce the document within the stipulated period may delay admission or cause a learner to miss an intake.

Such disruptions can derail academic plans and force families to make fresh arrangements, even when the learner has met the relevant academic requirements.

The effects can be particularly serious for learners who have already secured admission, scholarships or financial support to continue their education.

Academic certificates are important in verifying qualifications during scholarship applications, professional training and recruitment.

A learner whose certificate is unlawfully withheld may lose an opportunity because of an administrative dispute rather than a lack of academic merit.

For disadvantaged families, missing a scholarship or funded training programme can be a major setback, as securing another opportunity may take considerable time.

The consequences may extend into adulthood, delaying entry into employment, professional development and financial independence.

Learners caught in certificate disputes may experience anxiety, frustration and uncertainty about their future. Watching peers progress to the next stage of education while they remain stranded can also undermine their confidence and motivation.

Parents and guardians may incur additional transport costs, spend time visiting school offices and education authorities, or seek legal assistance to resolve the matter.

Families with limited resources are particularly vulnerable because they may struggle to challenge an administrative decision or arrange alternative educational opportunities.

The Constitution of Kenya protects the right of every child to free and compulsory basic education under Article 53. Article 47 also guarantees the right to lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair administrative action.

Where the withholding of a certificate unlawfully obstructs a learner’s educational progression or infringes protected rights, the affected learner or parent may seek appropriate redress.

The Ministry of Education and relevant authorities should investigate credible complaints, establish the facts and ensure compliance with applicable laws and directives.

Principals should also be allowed to respond to allegations through fair procedures before disciplinary findings are made.

School administrators are urged to review any outstanding cases involving withheld KNEC certificates and ensure that documents are released in accordance with the law and applicable official directives.

Any legitimate claims involving unpaid fees, lost books or damaged school property should be addressed through lawful recovery mechanisms rather than by imposing restrictions that unlawfully interfere with learners’ access to their academic documents.

Parents and learners who encounter difficulties obtaining certificates should report the matter to the relevant education authorities for assistance.

Ogamba’s warning underscores the responsibility of school administrators to protect learners’ interests and comply with the law when handling examination certificates.

Unlawful withholding can result in missed admissions, lost scholarships, financial hardship, emotional distress and delayed career opportunities. The consequences may be especially severe for learners from families with limited resources.

A certificate should open doors to further education and employment, not become a tool for enforcing school debts. Principals must comply with the law, and any official found to have unlawfully withheld a learner’s certificate should be held accountable through the appropriate legal and administrative procedures.