The Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos has instructed all schools to release certificates withheld from students due to fees arrears.
The CS emphasised that it is illegal for any institution to withhold the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) for any reason, including non-payment of school fees.
Speaking at the Ministry of Education Headquarters, Jogoo House, Migos directed county education directors to submit a status update report within 14 days.
Additionally, he announced that the government had disbursed Ksh14 billion to secondary schools last Friday to clear the outstanding capitation for the first term.
The CS at the same time signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) and the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) to end the strike that has paralyzed learning at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) for a month.
He shared that the discussions, led by an inter-ministerial committee focused on finding a mechanism for resolving the ongoing strike and the signed agreement now paves the way for TUK staff to resume their core duties and responsibilities.
“I trust and believe that the Council and the Administration will work extra hard to ensure that the time that has been lost is recovered for the students,” stated the CS.
The CS said the Ministry of Education has put in place adequate measures to facilitate continuous learning in the Public Universities.
UASU Secretary General Constant Wasonga, confirmed that workers are expected to resume classes immediately, bringing an end to the lengthy strike at TUK and commended the Ministry of Education for initiating a bailout plan for the University.
“More importantly let’s work because now we have a deal. We could not get everything but we have a phased plan that is going to solve this problem once and for all,” said Wasonga.
Dr. Philip Onyango, KUSU chairperson, echoed UASU secretary general’s sentiments, thanking all stakeholders for their involvement in the process.
He emphasized that while the immediate issues have been addressed, further discussions with the government will continue to ensure long-term solutions.
“By a letter dated 27th January, 2025, the employer appealed to KUSU to call off strike, assuring KUSU that the arising issues would be resolved amicably,” reads the letter.
