Machogu urges ex-students to report schools retaining their certificates

Education Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Ezekiel Machogu, is urging former students experiencing the withholding of their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates by schools to promptly report such incidents to the Ministry of Education or the Teacher Service Commission. Dr. Machogu made this request during his appearance before the National Assembly, where he addressed various inquiries from Members of Parliament concerning his critical responsibilities, including the issue of schools withholding certificates.

Speaking to the legislative body, the CS emphasized that it is unlawful for any institution to retain KCSE certificates of ex-students for any reason, including outstanding school fees payments. He clarified that, as per the law, all candidates are entitled to receive their certificates upon the release of their results, and these certificates should be delivered to their respective schools.

Dr. Machogu pointed to Section 10(1) b of the Kenya National Examinations Council Act, 2012, which explicitly prohibits institutions or individuals from withholding KNEC certificates or diplomas from the candidates. He urged anyone aware of such violations to report these cases to the Ministry of Education and the Teacher Service Commission for necessary action.

In response to concerns raised by Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama, who questioned the widespread practice of secondary schools withholding certificates due to unpaid school fees, the CS assured the lawmakers that any instances of certificate withholding should be reported to the relevant authorities for investigation and resolution. This stance reinforces the commitment to upholding students’ rights and ensuring the proper enforcement of educational regulations.