MPs direct TSC to issue circular forcing release of withheld Certificates by school heads

𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐒𝐂 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒

The National Assembly Committee on Education has directed the Teachers Service Commission to issue a circular compelling head teachers to release all school-leaving certificates withheld from students over unpaid fees, reiterating that government policy prohibits the practice.

During a meeting with TSC Acting CEO, Evelyn Mitei on the 2026 Budget Policy Statement, Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly said it was unacceptable for learners to be denied certificates despite the government having paid examination fees.

“Teachers must not hold certificates hostage. The Ministry already issued a circular banning that practice. We direct TSC to make a public announcement reminding all teachers that withholding certificates is illegal,” Hon. Melly stated.

Members further pressed the Commission to enforce the directive urgently, noting that thousands of students across the country have been unable to collect their certificates, limiting access to jobs and further education. Hon. Jerusha Momanyi added that, “It goes against labour and education laws to deny a child their certificate for school fees arrears.”

In her response, Ms. Mitei acknowledged the concern and assured the Committee that TSC would issue the directive to all schools through county education offices. She said the Commission remains committed to compliance and accountability within the teaching service.

The Committee also questioned the Commission on delays in teacher promotions, inequitable distribution of projects, and the integration of teachers into the Social Health Authority medical cover. Ms. Mitei told MPs that TSC had received KSh16.5 billion for the scheme against a requirement of KSh26.5 billion, creating a KSh10 billion shortfall.

“We are working with SHA to ensure all teachers are onboarded and sensitized to access services,” she said.

According to the Budget Policy Statement, the Commission’s total proposed allocation for the 2026/27 financial year is KSh422.96 billion including recruitment of 16,000 new teachers and conversion of 20,000 interns to permanent and pensionable terms.