Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has unveiled a new plan to stop schools from holding KCSE certificates over unpaid fees. From next year, Form Four leavers will collect their certificates at sub-county education offices, not their former schools.
Ogamba said the move targets a practice that continues despite clear government policy. He was responding to Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, who raised concerns over students being denied their certificates due to arrears.
Dr Oundo suggested that Knec should send certificates directly to students, just like birth certificates through eCitizen. Ogamba supported the idea. He said the certificates will be sent to sub-county offices, and schools will get registers to track collections.
“This will stop students from being forced to pay extra before getting their certificates,” Ogamba said.
The Knec Act 2012 bans schools or individuals from holding certificates for any reason. Kenya Secondary School Heads Association Chairperson Willy Kuria welcomed the change. He said many students never pick up their certificates. But he warned that safe storage may be a problem since some certificates date back many years.
Kenya Private Schools Association Chairperson Charles Ochome also supported the plan. He said private schools will follow government policy because the certificates come from the state.
The government has repeatedly warned school heads against holding certificates. In May, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reminded principals to comply and collect unpaid fees separately. Earlier, Ogamba warned of legal and disciplinary action for any head who ignores the directive.
He said schools cannot punish students for their parents’ debts. “The certificate belongs to the student, not the parent,” he stressed.
The government believes the new system will make it easier for students to access their certificates without unnecessary delays or extra charges.
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