The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has confirmed that the 2024 KCSE and KCPE certificates are now available and have been dispatched to schools across the country. The certificates were delivered through the Sub-County Director of Education offices to ensure nationwide coverage.
KNEC has advised students to contact their respective schools to collect their certificates. The council emphasized that it is illegal for schools to withhold certificates, even in cases where school fees are unpaid. Students facing such issues are encouraged to report directly to the sub-county director of education.
This directive is part of KNEC’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students’ rights and guarantee timely access to their academic records. Certificates are critical for pursuing further education or securing employment, making prompt availability essential.
The warning comes in response to a persistent problem where some schools retain certificates to pressure parents and students to clear outstanding fees. KNEC has made it clear that this practice is unlawful and cannot be used as leverage.
School administrators have often cited financial and administrative challenges as reasons for withholding certificates. These include unpaid fees, unreturned school property such as textbooks or laboratory materials, or unresolved disciplinary matters. While these concerns are acknowledged, KNEC maintains that they do not justify denying students access to their certificates.
Earlier in 2025, the Ministry of Education issued a 14-day deadline for schools to release all withheld certificates. Officials warned that non-compliance could lead to legal action, including potential jail terms for school heads. Education CS Julius Ogamba reinforced this stance, stating that withholding certificates over fees or lost school property is unlawful.
To streamline the process and reduce disputes, the Ministry of Education announced that, starting in 2025, candidates would collect their certificates directly from sub-county education director offices rather than schools. This ensures a fair and transparent process while protecting students’ rights.
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