Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and MP Kimani Kuria (Molo) during the joint burial service of 6 of the 12 accident victims at Arimi, Elburgon, Molo Constituency, Nakuru County on May 15, 2025/DPCS
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned secondary school
principals against withholding certificates for candidates who have completed
exams.
Speaking in Arimi, Molo Constituency, Kindiki said the
school heads should stop playing games and effect the presidential directive.
He insisted that it was not a request but an order, even as he
wondered how withholding certificates helps a school.
The DP said that the government will address the issue of
fee arrears that have been used as an excuse to withhold the certificates later
on.
“It is not an option; we are not requesting you. We are
directing all heads of institutions to release certificates for the children of
Kenya and then we can follow up on the issue of payments as a separate issue.
Hakuna mahali hakuna pending bills. I speak on behalf of the president and
government, principals, let’s not play monkey games,” Kindiki said.
He had attended the joint burial service of six of the 12
accident victims at Arimi, Elburgon in Molo, Nakuru County.
The Deputy President further directed Parents and guardians
to report any incidents of principals withholding certificates to the assistant
chiefs so that the government can pick the matter up from there.
Kindiki added that there is no way students can get punished
when they have completed school.
“Parents, if a principal refuses to give you a certificate report
to your assistant chief. You cannot punish a student who has finished school.”
The DP’s directive comes exactly a month after Education Cabinet
Secretary Julius Ogamba directed headteachers to release the documents.
The CS said that it was illegal for schools to withhold
certificates for students who have completed their exams,
Many schools withhold certificates until students clear fees
arrears, but Ogamba said the practice is against the law.
The CS said that no student should be denied access to their
certificates because of financial constraints.
Ogamba further directed county directors of education to
compile a report on the status of withheld KCPE and KCSE certificates and
submit a report to his office within 14 days.
He directed the county education officials to ensure his
directive is complied with, warning of serious action against those who fail to
release the documents.