Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has criticized the practice of secondary schools withholding students’ result slips over unpaid fees, saying it jeopardizes their opportunities to pursue higher education.
MP Wamuchomba said the result slips, which are the property of the students, should not be used as leverage to enforce fee payments.
“You mean building classes or buying a school bus is more important than the future of a student who already gave you all they could afford? Results slips are the property of the examined, who already paid Knec for it,” she said.
Her remarks reflect a growing concern that educational institutions are reportedly prioritizing infrastructural developments over the immediate needs of students.
She further questioned why unpaid fees could not be handled through loans or an alternative financial arrangement instead of withholding certificates.
“If we must claim unpaid fees, the contract was between the school and the parents, not the students, some of whom are minors,” the MP said.
Her comments highlight a significant issue affecting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She notes that last week, she intervened to assist students in her constituency who faced the same issue.
However, she says her efforts could not extend to schools outside her jurisdiction, leaving many students still struggling.
In response to concerns about financial barriers to higher education, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Magoha issued a directive in August ensuring that all students who qualify for university admission should be admitted, regardless of their ability to pay household contributions immediately.
This directive aims to prevent financial issues from blocking students’ access to higher education.
Despite this, slow enrollment continues, partly due to the ongoing practice of withholding result slips.
The practice of withholding result slips is in contradiction to Section 10(1)(b) of the Kenya National Examinations Council Act, 2012, which prohibits any institution or individual from withholding KNEC certificates or diplomas.
