Thousands of students who sat national exams like KCSE are stranded; the school leavers have still not received their certificates, mainly due to unpaid school fees.
This has put a major impediment to their plans to continue their education or seek job opportunities.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has now ordered all headteachers to release certificates immediately, terming withholding of the documents illegal and unacceptable.
The law does not allow anyone to withhold certificates; they should be given unconditionally,” Migos said.
Headteachers who have certificates in their possession have been given a 14-day ultimatum to release or face serious consequences.
“Any school holding certificates must release them now. Schools still holding certificates should be reported, and education directors must give me a progress report within 14 days. The ministry will take action against any teacher who doesn’t comply,” Migos said.