The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has directed all primary and secondary school heads to immediately release Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) documents to former students, their parents, or guardians.
They warned that school heads who contravene the directive will face disciplinary measures. It follows persistent complaints from parents, guardians, students, and other stakeholders that some school heads were withholding the certificates unlawfully, blocking students from pursuing further education or employment.
In a circular to school principals and head teachers, the TSC emphasised that academic certificates belong to learners and must not be used to enforce payment of school fees arrears. The commission warned that withholding certificates denies former students opportunities for professional growth and higher education.
“The Teachers Service Commission continues to receive complaints from parents, guardians, learners, and stakeholders that some heads of institutions are unlawfully and irregularly withholding KCPE and KCSE certificates. The Commission hereby directs that all heads of institutions shall, with immediate effect, release all certificates currently held in their custody to the respective learners or their authorized parents or guardians,” said TSC acting CEO Evaleen Mitei.
The move is expected to end a long-standing challenge for students struggling to access their academic records. This comes after the Ministry of Education issued a similar directive in 2025, instructing schools to release KCPE and KCSE certificates to learners. Despite that earlier order, the TSC has continued to receive complaints of schools withholding certificates, prompting the renewed circular to enforce compliance and protect students’ rights to access their academic documents.
According to the commission, Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act, 2012, requires that once certificates are issued, they cannot be withheld by any person or institution. In addition, Article 53 of the Constitution guarantees every child the right to education, including unrestricted access to academic credentials. The Basic Education Act of 2013 also prohibits any institution from restricting a learner’s access to educational opportunities or their academic records.
“The commission directs that no conditions shall be imposed prior to the release of such certificates and that any teacher who contravenes this directive shall be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with the regulatory guidelines established by the commission,” said Ms Mitei.
The commission warned that failure to comply will be treated as a breach of the law, the Code of Regulations for Teachers, and the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers. Disciplinary measures will be taken against any teacher who violates this directive.
“Any head of institution or person exercising the role of head of institution who fails to comply with this directive shall be deemed to have violated the law and the Code of Regulations for Teachers and will be subject to disciplinary action,” said Ms Mitei.
Further, Ms Mitei called on the heads of institutions to uphold professional ethics, safeguard the rights and dignity of learners, and ensure that all institutional practices adhere to the law, relevant policies, and the administrative guidelines issued by the Commission from time to time.
“The TSC Regional and County Directors working together with the Regional and County Directors of Education are directed ensure strict enforcement of this directive and monitor compliance within their respective jurisdictions and provide reports on any non-compliance by any head of the institution to this office for appropriate action,” said Ms Mitei.
