The number of students who have not collected their KCPE or KCSE Certificates back from 2012 is to be established and details submitted to parliament.
This is after a concerns had been raised following the fact that most Principals in both public primary and secondary schools in the country are still holding certificates .
In the latest move , the Members of the Departmental Committee on Education have started establishing the reasons why the certificates are being withheld.
According to honourable Owen Baya,Kilifi North member of Parliament , the Education committee should come statement on the same .
The lawmaker noted that the Ministry of Education had earlier issued directives and guidelines which required all schools to immediately release academic certificates to students, whether with or without fees arrears.
The mp said that a good number of students , more especially former students are from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds since because their parents are unable to raise school fees .
As a result those heads who withhold their examination certificates is equated to killing their future career prospects and dreams they want to persue in life.
He added that KNEC prohibits any institutions or persons from withholding KNEC certificates or diplomas from any candidate, as clearly outlined in the Section 10(1)(b) of the Kenya National Examinations Council Act, 2012.
Honourable Baya noted with a lot of sadness that the implementation of the law, directives and guidelines since it’s declaration has been a challenge.
In addition , he indicated that some learners of rightful access to their academic certificates is contravened , something that is hindering their academic progress.
Baya added that the schools HeadTeachers and principals withholding of examination certificates amounts to an abuse of power of office and those who are found capable with face the law.
Students sitting for KCSE National examinations .image/Courtesy
He finally indicated that the education committee will conduct an inquiry into the withholding of academic certificates contrary to KNEC act and submit report to parliament.
Later the committee will also be required to recommend that the Kenya National Examination Council recalls all the students uncollected KCSE or KCPE examination certificates held by the school heads back to the headquarters.
A solution to this in his opinion will be seeing KNEC open examination centres in every sub-county where students can pick all certificates for free.
