The government has issued a stern warning to school heads who continue to withhold national examination certificates from students over unpaid school fees, terming the practice illegal and a violation of children’s rights.
In a statement on Monday, April 14, 2025, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura expressed concern that despite multiple directives, some High school principals are still detaining certificates, denying learners the chance to access their academic credentials.
“The government is aware that despite repeated directives, some school heads continue to unlawfully withhold certificates from students over fees-related issues. This is not only illegal, but it is unacceptable,” Mwaura stated.
He emphasized that national examination certificates are the property of learners and should be handed over to them unconditionally, regardless of outstanding school fees.
“A national examination certificate is the property of the learner. Denying any student access to their academic credentials undermines the very foundation of our education system and compromises the rights of the child,” he continued.
Mwaura warned that any principal found to be defying the government’s directive would face firm legal and disciplinary action.
“The Government will not tolerate this continued impunity and stern actions will be taken against schools who continue to defy this directive,” Mwaura cautioned.
“I wish to state that it’s illegal and unacceptable for schools to withhold exam certificates over fees. These certificates belong to the learners. Any principal found culpable will face firm legal and disciplinary action,” he added.
University applications
Mwaura’s remarks come days after the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opened its application portal for 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates to apply for degree courses.
In a notice dated Friday, March 28, 2025, KUCCPS announced that qualified students can now log in to its portal to select their preferred degree programs at universities and colleges across the country.
The application process allows candidates to choose courses based on their KCSE performance, ensuring they meet the required cluster points for their desired programs.
“Attention 2024 KCSE cohort! You can now apply for degree courses via the KUCCPS portal. Deadline: April 21,” KUCCPS announced.
In addition to degree courses, KUCCPS has also invited candidates who sat for their KCSE exams between 2000 and 2024 to apply for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and Teacher Training College (TTC) courses.