The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) on Monday, April 28, 2025, declared that it was illegal to withhold candidates’ Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificates.
In a notice, the examination council insisted that schools could not withhold certificates for whatever reason.
“It is unlawful to withhold a certificate from a candidate,” KNEC’s statement read in part.
To ensure proper implementation of the directive, KNEC advised those whose certificates had been withheld to file a report.
In the notice, KNEC advised students to file a report to the sub-county director of education. The Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE) is a key official within the Ministry of Education, responsible for managing education within a specific sub-county area.
They play a crucial role in overseeing both public and private schools, teachers, and the implementation of education policies at the local level.
As part of the role, they ensure heads of institutions comply with various orders issued by different education stakeholders and monitor staff performance.
“Any candidate whose certificate is withheld should report to the Sub-County Director of Education,” KNEC advised candidates.
In the past, most students have lamented over missing admissions due to their certificates being withheld, mainly due to fee arrears. However, in the latest directive, KNEC insisted that all certificates should be released.
Certificates dispatched
At the same time, KNEC announced that all 2023 certificates for both KCSE and KCPE had been dispatched to all schools that presented candidates for national examinations.
The council implored all candidates to liaise with their school heads and collect the certificates.
“The 2023 KCPE and KCSE examination certificates have been dispatched to all schools that presented candidates for the examinations through the Sub-County Director of Education offices countrywide. Candidates are advised to liaise with the schools where they sat the examinations to collect the certificates.”