In a significant policy shift, the government has announced plans to move the collection of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates from schools to sub-county education offices.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba informed Members of Parliament (MPs) that the decision was aimed at ensuring students receive their certificates without delay.
This follows widespread reports that school principals continue to withhold certificates despite government directives against the practice.
End to Withheld Certificates
Under the new system, students who sit for KCSE examinations will no longer need to go back to their former schools to collect their certificates. Instead, they will obtain them from their respective sub-county directors of education.
This comes amid mounting pressure from MPs to compel schools to release certificates that have been retained due to unpaid school fees. Lawmakers argue that thousands of students have been unable to secure jobs, join universities, or pursue other opportunities due to lack of official academic documents.
“Many young people are trapped in unskilled labor or joblessness because they cannot access their KCSE certificates,” noted members of the National Assembly’s Education Committee.
Past Directives Ignored
CS Ogamba’s announcement follows his directive last week, instructing schools to release all withheld certificates unconditionally. However, MPs questioned whether this would be effectively enforced, citing previous failed attempts by former education ministers.
“What will make this directive different from past ones that were never enforced?” asked Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who also chairs the Education Committee.
Schools Demand Payment for Unpaid Fees
School heads, on the other hand, argue that institutions are owed over KSh 20 billion in unpaid school fees, making it difficult to release certificates without financial compensation.
With the government’s new plan, students will no longer be at the mercy of school administrators when collecting their KCSE certificates. However, whether this move will fully resolve the issue or face resistance from schools remains to be seen.
