Legio Maria Church hails order for schools to release withheld certificates

Rev Wycliffe Nyapera, bishop of Thika Diocese and director of Youth Affairs, Legion Maria Church./HANDOUT

The Legion Maria Church has lauded the government for ordering schools to release withheld KCPE and KCSE certificates over fee arrears.

Rev Wycliffe Nyapera, bishop of Thika Diocese and director of Youth Affairs, Legion Maria Church, said the action is a beacon of hope for many of children from less privileged backgrounds.

“This step will provide immense relief to countless students who, despite completing their education, have been unable to access their academic certificates due to financial constraints,” he stated.

Nyaperah said the order is a positive and transformative move “that will restore hope and allow many of our youth to dream again.”

Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos obn Monday ordered all schools to immediately release the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) certificates, including the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates, that have been withheld from students who have completed their exams.

Migos stated that schools have no right to withhold students' certificates, describing the practice as illegal and against the law.

He emphasised that no student should be denied access to their documents due to financial struggles.

Parents and students were encouraged to report any school that refuses to release certificates so that action can be taken.

In a statement, Nyaperah urged the government to consider setting aside sufficient funds to ensure that education remains accessible to all.

“Basic education, from primary through to high school, should be free for every child, as it serves as an equaliser in society. No child should be denied the right to education due to financial limitations,” he stated.

He suggested that funds currently allocated to bursaries by MPs and county governments be consolidated by the central government to ensure free and equitable access to education for all. 

“Furthermore, I humbly appeal to the government to prioritize the timely release of capitation funds to schools, enabling them to fulfil their educational mandate without unnecessary disruptions,” he urged.

He further proposed that a special fund be set aside to cover the financial gaps for students who have outstanding fees and are now seeking to collect their certificates.