Free KCSE Certificates Available at Ministry Sub-County Offices
Free KCSE Certificates Available at Ministry Sub-County Offices
The Ministry of Education in Kenya has introduced a new policy to ensure students can access their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates without delays caused by unpaid school fees. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba recently announced that KCSE certificates will now be distributed through Ministry sub-county directors of education offices instead of schools. This change aims to stop school principals from withholding certificates, a practice that has long frustrated students and parents.
Why the Change?
For years, many Kenyan schools have withheld KCSE and Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificates from students who have not cleared their school fees. Despite repeated government directives forbidding this, some principals have continued the practice, claiming that unpaid fees—estimated at over Sh20 billion—strain school operations. However, CS Ogamba has firmly stated that withholding certificates is illegal and denies students their rightful access to crucial documents needed for further education or job opportunities.
On March 17, 2025, Ogamba addressed Members of Parliament, emphasizing that no student should be penalized for financial difficulties. He ordered all schools to release withheld certificates immediately and tasked county education directors with investigating compliance, expecting a full report within 14 days. Principals who fail to comply face serious consequences.
A History of Unheeded Directives
This isn’t the first time the government has tackled this issue. In 2019, then-Education CS George Magoha suggested releasing certificates only for students genuinely unable to pay, while proposing that defaulters be reported to Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs). MPs criticized this as punitive, and similar past directives have often been ignored. Tinderet MP Julius Melly, chair of the Education Committee, questioned what makes Ogamba’s latest order different, highlighting the need for effective enforcement.
How This Helps Students
Certificates are a gateway to opportunity. Without them, students cannot pursue higher education or apply for jobs, leaving many in limbo—sometimes for years. The new policy ensures that students can collect their KCSE certificates for free at sub-county offices, bypassing schools entirely. While Ogamba did not specify if this applies to students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)—who earn certificates at Grade 9 and Grade 12—the directive is a significant step toward equal access to education.
Official Government Backing
The Ministry of Education’s stance aligns with Kenya’s commitment to fair treatment for all learners. According to the Ministry of Education’s official website, the government is working to remove barriers that prevent students from advancing due to financial constraints. This policy reflects that mission, responding to widespread concerns from parents and students.
The Other Side: Schools’ Perspective
School heads argue that unpaid fees hinder their ability to provide resources like books, desks, and teacher salaries. While their concerns highlight funding challenges in education, the government insists that withholding certificates is not a lawful solution.
What’s Next?
This directive offers hope to thousands of students awaiting their certificates. By shifting issuance to sub-county offices, the Ministry aims to enforce compliance and ensure no student is left behind. For updates or to locate your nearest sub-county education office, check the Ministry of Education’s website or local announcements.
This change is a win for education equity in Kenya, promising a brighter future for students ready to take their next steps.
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Free KCSE Certificates Available at Ministry Sub-County Offices
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