Stop monkey games, release withheld certificates, Kindiki tells school heads

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 (Translation: There isn't a place without 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," said Kindiki.

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.