Deputy President William Ruto on Friday warned school heads that they risk prosecution should they continue withholding certificates due to unpaid fees balances.
Speaking after he led a fund-raiser in Gatundu South, Ruto said the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act prohibits withholding of certificates of pupils who have completed their studies.
Ruto’s directive to schools to release certificates and diplomas to students and pupils has kicked off a storm and discontent amongst school heads.
Section 10 (1) (b) of the KNEC ACT 2012, states: “The functions of the Council shall be to: award certificates or diplomas to candidates in such examinations; such certificates and diplomas shall not be withheld from the candidate by any person or institution.”
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) on Tuesday claimed that giving away the certificates would mean head teachers will not be able to recover debts running into billions of shillings.
The Deputy President has also directed the National Treasury to release funds for secondary education and warned against any further delay.
Ruto said that funds available for education will be increased significantly to enable students acquire quality education.
The government recently announced increased funding for secondary schools from Sh10, 265 to over Sh13, 000 per student in this financial year.
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