Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama has called on Ministry of Education to take action against school heads withholding certificates for learners due to fee balance.
In a question on the floor of the National Assembly on February 28, 2024 directed to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Arama demanded answers and what the Ministry was doing to address the same.
The Lawmaker stated that he has encountered numerous such cases in his constituency which hinders learners to proceed with their studies.
“May the Cabinet Secretary demystify the reason why students with fee balances transiting to university or seeking employment are denied the vital national examination certificate despite an enacted law on the same,” he stated.
In response to the same, CS Machogu was categorical that such withholding certificates by school heads is against the law.
While citing the Kenya National Examination Council Act section 10, the CS said no school head or Principal is allowed to withhold certificates of learners.
“It is illegal to withhold KNEC Certificate due to any reason including fee balances,” he said.
According to the CS, the Ministry has already issued a circular on the same to county Directors of Education with repercussions on the same.
The CS was quick to note that such cases can be dealt with once singled out, rather than generalizing.
But in a quick rejoinder, MP Arama called on the Ministry to move to grassroot level and address the issue.
“I appreciate that the Cabinet Secretary has addressed some of the concerns but as it stands things are different on ground. It seems the School heads do not have the circular. I think the Ministry should move to counties and sub-counties and look into the issue,” he stated.
It should be noted that the Lawmaker has been very vocal on matters education in his Nakuru West Constituency where he is serving his third term.
