The National Assembly has taken a firm stance against schools that deny students their certificates due to unpaid fees, ordering the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to ensure all withheld certificates are released immediately.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Education raised the matter while reviewing the 2026 Budget Policy Statement with TSC Acting CEO Evelyn Mitei, pointing out that many students are being unfairly blocked from accessing their qualifications even though the government has paid examination fees.
Committee Chair Julius Melly condemned the practice, noting that the President had already instructed principals to release certificates without delay. “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,” he said.
The committee stressed the urgency of the issue, warning that thousands of students nationwide are unable to pursue jobs or further education due to withheld documents. Nyamira Women Representative Jerusha Momanyi added, “It goes against labour and education laws to deny a child their certificate for school fees arrears.”
Luanda MP Dick Maungu also criticised Education PS Julius Bitok for not acting decisively, threatening that sanctions may follow.
He referred to remarks by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who described the PS as “clueless.” “I want to take it out that the PS has a very low opinion on the matters of the house, and this committee should actually sanction him and impose the greatest penalty possible. And this matter recently, in Naivasha, you had none other than the majority leader actually say that the PS was clueless. He had a reason why he said so, and chair it is just to affirm that maybe it's high time that something happens,” he said.
Responding to the concerns, Mitei assured members that TSC would issue a circular to all schools through county education offices to reinforce compliance and accountability in the teaching service.
The committee further highlighted delays in teacher promotions, unequal allocation of projects, and challenges in integrating teachers into the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover.
Mitei explained that TSC had received Sh16.5 billion for the SHA scheme against a required Sh26.5 billion, leaving a Sh10 billion shortfall. “We are working with SHA to ensure all teachers are onboarded and sensitised to access services,” she said.
The Budget Policy Statement shows TSC’s proposed allocation for 2026/27 at Sh422.96 billion, covering the recruitment of 16,000 new teachers and converting 20,000 interns into permanent and pensionable positions. The funding aims to strengthen the education system and expand opportunities for teachers and students alike.
