KNEC Explains How to Report Schools Withholding Exam Certificates
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued fresh guidance on what students should do if schools withhold their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificates.
In a public notice dated Monday, April 28, 2025, the council reminded all education stakeholders that retaining a candidate’s certificate for any reason is illegal. KNEC reaffirmed its position, declaring, “It is unlawful to withhold a certificate from a candidate.”
To assist affected students, KNEC outlined a clear reporting process. Candidates whose certificates are being withheld should immediately contact the Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE) in their respective regions. SCDEs are key officials tasked with overseeing education policies at the local level. They manage both public and private schools, ensure policy compliance, and supervise school heads.
KNEC emphasized the importance of this reporting channel, stating, “Any candidate whose certificate is withheld should report to the Sub-County Director of Education.” By doing so, students can prompt swift administrative action against non-compliant schools.
The notice further explained that students should lodge their complaints formally, providing details such as the school’s name, location, and the reasons given for withholding the certificate. This documentation will enable education officials to take decisive action. It also ensures that school heads who violate regulations are held accountable.
This guidance comes amid growing concerns from students who, over the years, have missed out on opportunities because their certificates were retained. Typically, schools have withheld certificates due to outstanding fee balances. However, KNEC has firmly ruled out this justification, clarifying that financial arrears do not grant any school the right to withhold academic documents.
Moreover, KNEC stressed that institutions must comply with the law immediately. Schools that continue the practice risk facing penalties from the Ministry of Education and the examinations council itself.
To support its directive, KNEC announced that all 2023 KCSE and KCPE certificates have already been dispatched to all participating schools across the country. Through a coordinated effort with the Sub-County Directors of Education, the council ensured that every school received its students’ certificates promptly.
“The 2023 KCPE and KCSE examination certificates have been dispatched to all schools that presented candidates for the examinations through the Sub-County Director of Education offices countrywide,” the notice read. Students are, therefore, encouraged to visit their former schools to collect their certificates without hesitation.
KNEC’s move intends to shield students from administrative barriers that could derail their academic or career ambitions. By providing a straightforward process for lodging complaints, the council hopes to empower students and create accountability at the institutional level.
In addition to this, KNEC urged students to be proactive. Any delay in reporting incidents could slow down investigations and resolution. The council encouraged all candidates to retain copies of any communication with schools regarding certificate collection, as this could support their case when reporting to the authorities.
This proactive stance by KNEC reflects broader efforts by the Ministry of Education to streamline operations and protect students’ rights. It also signals a shift toward a more transparent and student-centered education system in Kenya.
Students facing challenges in collecting their KCSE or KCPE certificates should not remain silent. They are expected to report withholding cases to their Sub-County Director of Education immediately, providing all relevant details.
With this new approach, KNEC aims to eliminate certificate withholding once and for all, ensuring that every candidate can access their hard-earned academic credentials without unnecessary hurdles.
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KNEC Explains How to Report Schools Withholding Exam Certificates
