Ruto’s directive to schools to release certificates and diplomas to students and pupils has kicked off a storm and discontent amongst school heads. Photo/FILE.
Speaking after he led a fund-raiser in Gatundu South, Ruto said the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act prohibits withholding of certificates of pupils who have completed their studies.
“Anyone who sat for their national examinations should go and collect their certificates from their respective schools,” he said.
“We want to end this debate on this issue. It is an act of impunity for anybody to try and negotiate with the law. When the law says this is the position that is the position. You can negotiate with anybody else but you cannot negotiate with the law,” the Deputy President said.
Ruto’s directive to schools to release certificates and diplomas to students and pupils has kicked off a storm and discontent amongst school heads.
Section 10 (1) (b) of the KNEC ACT 2012, states: “The functions of the Council shall be to: award certificates or diplomas to candidates in such examinations; such certificates and diplomas shall not be withheld from the candidate by any person or institution.”
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) on Tuesday claimed that giving away the certificates would mean head teachers will not be able to recover debts running into billions of shillings.
“How can any reasonable person withhold a certificate from an already disadvantaged kid, whose parents cannot afford and you compound that problem by denying them there certificate so that they are no employable, they cannot go anyway, what kind of a heart do you need to have,” the Deputy President wondered.
The Deputy President has also directed the National Treasury to release funds for secondary education. He warned against any further delay in releasing funds meant for schools.
Ruto noted that funds available for education will be increased significantly to enable students acquire quality education.
The government recently announced increased funding for secondary schools from Sh10, 265 to over Sh13, 000 per student in this
financial year.
About The Author
