Principals who withhold leavers’ certificates due to fee arrears face potential prosecution.

The Ministry of Education’s Director General, Elyas Abdi, has issued a stern warning to school heads who are withholding KCSE certificates from learners over fee arrears. Abdi emphasized that such actions are illegal and that principals risk facing arrest and prosecution if they do not release the certificates immediately.

Addressing the issue during the West Pokot Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) conference at Milele Hotel in Nakuru City, Abdi reiterated the Ministry’s stance on the matter. He emphasized that the completion of basic education is marked by the issuance of a KCSE certificate, and it is the right of every learner to receive it.

Furthermore, Abdi stressed the importance of following proper procedures before expelling a learner from a boarding school. He highlighted the necessity for principals to liaise with education offices to ensure that expelled learners can continue their education in nearby day schools, thereby avoiding disruption to their learning.

During the conference, Abdi also addressed concerns raised by principals regarding the shortage of government textbooks and set books in their schools. He assured them that the Ministry would restructure the distribution of textbooks to ensure equitable access for all learners across the country. Distribution, he mentioned, would be coordinated through the offices of Sub County Directors of Education to streamline the process.

Accompanied by Rift Valley Regional Director of Education, Milton Nzioka, Abdi urged principals to utilize the conference as an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, share challenges, and exchange experiences to enhance service delivery in their respective schools.