Kaimenyi directs schools to release held certificates

Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has directed heads of public secondary schools to release the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations (KCSE) certificates being held due to non-payment of fees.

In a circular to all county directors of education and district education officers, Prof Kaimenyi said the certificates were to be released with immediate effect.

“Pursuant to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act, 2012, certificates issued by KNEC shall not be withheld from candidates by any person or institution,” Prof Kaimenyi directed.

The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that the government would meet the full cost of examination fees for all KCSE candidates in Public Schools from January, 2015.

Prof Kaimenyi's directive follows an order by Deputy President William Ruto for public schools holding certificates of former students with fee arrears to release them.

Mr Ruto's order was supported by senators, who dismissed demands by the teachers’ union that Sh14 billion in school fees arrears be cleared first.

The senators said the money could be recouped through other means.