Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced plans to shift the collection of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates from schools to government offices. This move aims to address the longstanding issue of school principals withholding certificates over unpaid fees.

The decision comes just days after Ogamba ordered all school principals to release certificates they had been holding due to fee arrears. However, reports indicate that some principals ignored the directive, prompting further intervention.

Speaking on Monday, March 17, Ogamba emphasized that withholding certificates is illegal and denies students opportunities to pursue higher education and employment. He reiterated that students should not be blocked from collecting their certificates under any circumstances.

To prevent further disputes, the Ministry of Education is now working on a plan to have KCSE certificates distributed through sub-county education offices instead of schools.

The move follows pressure from Members of Parliament (MPs), who raised concerns that many students have been forced into low-paying jobs or left without employment due to the lack of official academic credentials. MPs in the National Assembly’s Education Committee urged the Ministry to ensure certificates are made accessible to all students.

In response, school principals explained that schools are owed over Ksh20 billion in unpaid fees, making it difficult to release the certificates without financial consequences.

Previously, in 2019, then-Education CS George Magoha had ruled that only students genuinely unable to pay fees could collect their certificates without settling arrears, while others had to clear their balances first.

With the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) gradually replacing the 8-4-4 system, it remains unclear whether this policy change will apply to CBC students, who will receive their certificates after completing Grade 9 (Junior School) and Grade 12 (Senior School).