School principals will no longer have the authority to issue Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates following a new directive by the Ministry of Education aimed at ending years of abuse, delays, and discrimination in the release of students’ academic documents.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogambo said the move is part of a broader reform to protect students’ rights and ensure timely access to their certificates regardless of their financial background.
He noted that the government has received numerous complaints from former candidates whose certificates were withheld by schools due to unpaid fees, a practice that has long been declared illegal.
“No student should be denied their KCSE certificate because of school fees arrears or disciplinary issues. The Ministry is committed to ensuring fairness and equal access to education documents for all learners,” said Ogambo.
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The CS emphasised that the new policy will promote transparency and accountability in the management of examination records and safeguard students from exploitation.
He said many young people have lost opportunities for jobs and further studies after schools retained their certificates for years, contrary to government policy.
Education stakeholders and parents have welcomed the directive, saying it will bring relief to thousands of students who have been unable to collect their certificates.
They also hailed the Ministry’s move as a bold step toward restoring integrity and order in the education system.
However, school administrators have expressed concern about the implementation process, urging the government to provide clear guidelines and logistical support to ensure a smooth transition.
Some principals warned that schools could struggle to recover arrears if certificates are released unconditionally.
Ogambo reaffirmed that the government’s priority is to safeguard the learners’ welfare and promote access to education without discrimination.
He said the Ministry will work closely with county education offices to ensure the new policy is effectively implemented and that no student is denied their right to documentation due to financial constraints.
By our reporter
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