PS Bitok Orders Schools To Issue Out KCSE Certificates Held Over Fee Arrears
The Ministry of Education has responded to a growing number of complaints from students and parents about schools unlawfully withholding Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates for unpaid school fees.
Principal Secretary Julius Bitok issued a circular to all County Directors of Education, ordering them to ensure its rapid release.
The PS highlighted that the conduct violates the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act of 2012.
He stated that the Act plainly bans the withholding of certificates for any reason, including overdue payments.
“You are hereby directed to instruct all secondary schools within your respective jurisdictions to immediately release KCSE certificates to the affected students upon request,” he said.
Gov’t Orders Schools to Release Withheld KCSE Certificates
— Eagle News Feed (@eagle_feed) April 9, 2025
The Ministry of Education has directed all schools to immediately release KCSE certificates held over unpaid fees.
PS Julius Bitok said withholding certificates violates the KNEC Act, 2012.
Schools must now use legal… pic.twitter.com/JTHsofcUZs
This came as he emphasized the significance of the documents in ensuring that students continue their studies or engage in economic activity.
The circular also directs the learning institutions to pursue any available procedures for recovering the balances.
“Schools are advised to utilise the established legal frameworks and alternative lawful methods to recover outstanding fees without withholding certificates,” it reads.
The county directors are responsible for ensuring compliance and providing a compliance report to the Ministry within 14 days of receiving the instruction.
The circular was dated April 1.
This measure is part of the government’s continued efforts to defend students’ rights and ensure that financial concerns do not impede their academic and professional development.
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Last month, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba issued a similar notification, emphasizing that no student should be denied access to their certificates due to financial restrictions.
Some students from low-income families give up their goals and work in menial occupations because they are unable to pay the necessary fees.
Others become depressed or engage in substance usage as a result of the reality that they may never achieve their aspirations.
As a result, Ogamba’s decision provides relief to students and parents who may have been waiting for years for their diplomas in order to further their studies or seek employment.
PS Bitok Orders Schools To Issue Out KCSE Certificates Held Over Fee Arrears
