Former Amukura Central Ward MCA Moses Ouma, popularly known as Mose Baba, has urged the national government to act on the continued withholding of academic certificates by secondary schools, despite clear directives from top government officials.
Speaking in Amagoro, Teso North Constituency, Busia County on May 18, 2025, during an interdenominational Sunday service attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Mose Baba called for urgent intervention by the Ministry of Education.
He lamented that many students who completed their exams years ago still have not received their certificates due to fee arrears.
“Mheshimiwa Naibu Rais Kithure Kindiki, kuna directive ambayo serikali ilitoa ya kusema kwamba hata kama ulimaliza form four 1900 upewe certificate. Kufikia sahii bado hatujapata certificate,” he said.
“Tunaomba Ministry of Education itusikie na wasimame na watoto wetu wapate certificate na kazi.”
His remarks follow a strong directive from Deputy President Kindiki, who recently warned school principals against withholding certificates. The DP emphasized that the directive is not optional and instructed parents to report non-compliance to assistant chiefs.
“It is not an option; we are not requesting you. We are directing all heads of institutions to release certificates for the children of Kenya,” Kindiki stated.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba had also earlier declared the practice illegal, ordering county directors of education to compile reports on all withheld certificates and submit them within 14 days.
He emphasized that no student should be denied access to their certificate due to financial constraints.
Despite these orders, Mose Baba stressed that the government must ensure full compliance, especially in marginalized regions like Busia, where economic challenges already limit opportunities.
“Watoto wetu wanaumia kwa sababu hawana vyeti. Wengine hawawezi pata kazi au kuendelea na masomo,” he added.
