Kindiki issues orders to school heads withholding certificates over arrears
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to primary and secondary school heads withholding examination certificates of students who have yet to clear their fees.
In his warning to school heads while speaking during the joint burial ceremony of six of 12 accident victims in Elburgon on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Kindiki said that administrators failing to comply with this directive are putting their jobs on the line.
“Kuna shule nyingi zimekataa kuachilia stakabadhi za watoto ambao wamefanya mtihani. Wewe ukiwa principal ambaye unaendelea kukaidi amri ya serikali ya Kenya, nataka niseme ya kwamba unahatarisha kazi yako,” Kindiki said.
Loosely translated to: (I am aware that a number of schools are still withholding exam certificates of students who have sat their exams. As a principal who is violating this directive by the government, you are risking your job.)
Immediate release of certificates
“We mean business. All principals and headteachers must release certificates to all the children of Kenya. Thereafter, we can begin sorting out the debts owed. This is not a joke,” Kindiki warned.
He equally stated that President William Ruto and the education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, had pronounced themselves on the issue, noting that it is not a request but an order.
“We are not requesting you, we are directing you; the president has pronounced himself on this issue, and so have I and the cabinet secretary for education,” Kindiki said.
Assistant chiefs
The deputy president equally urged parents of students whose certificates have been withheld over arrears to report the matter to their local assistant-chiefs, stating that all school heads mentioned will face action.
“For the principals who will fail to heed this directive, I urge parents of the affected children to report to their local assistant chief. You must know that I am the immediate former Minister for Interior,” Kindiki stated.
“You cannot punish a student who has already finished school; you have to contend with the situation as it is. There are pending bills all over; heads of schools will have to follow up on the debt later.”
On March 17, 2025, CS Ogamba ordered all school heads still holding certificates of students who had sat examinations to release them in the next 14 days or face action.
“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.
