CS Ogamba Outlines Consequences for Principals Withholding KCSE, KCPE Certificates.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has reiterated his warning to school principals retaining national examination certificates due to unpaid school fees. He emphasized that those found culpable could face disciplinary measures and possible imprisonment.
Despite a previous directive issued just days earlier, some principals have disregarded it. The CS stressed that withholding certificates is unlawful and cautioned that non-compliance would not be tolerated.
During a Prize Giving Day event at MaryHill Girls High School on Wednesday, the CS stated that county education officials were compiling a report on uncollected certificates. After the 14-day deadline expires, any principal found to be in violation will be held accountable under the law.
He dismissed claims that repeated directives have had no impact, assuring that action will be taken. He stated that those responsible would face disciplinary procedures from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and could also be prosecuted in court.
Call to Release Certificates Immediately
The CS urged school heads to release certificates before his office intervenes. He reminded them that legally, certificates should not be withheld from students, as the financial obligation is between the school and the parents, not the learners.
He warned that failing to comply could lead to financial consequences. He highlighted that if certificates have been withheld for a decade, legal quantification would be applied to determine the financial implications for those responsible.
Addressing university education funding, the CS announced that the Education Ministry would conduct public participation across the country to align with court requirements.
He revealed that a report on the funding model had been under review since October of the previous year. The findings are expected to guide the next steps in restructuring the financing of higher education.
Legal Challenges and Court Directives
The government has been entangled in a legal dispute following a High Court ruling that nullified the funding model introduced in May 2023. The court deemed the model discriminatory and lacking adequate public participation.
Subsequently, the Court of Appeal instructed the Attorney General, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), and the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to publicize the funding model within 14 days, ensuring universities, colleges, and students are well informed.
CS Ogamba Outlines Consequences for Principals Withholding KCSE, KCPE Certificates.
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