A former student of Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP) has ended a seven-year wait to receive her diploma certificate after the Office of the Ombudsman intervened.
F.W.K. graduated in 2019 with a Diploma in Tourism Management but was unable to obtain her certificate, which hindered her job prospects.
Certificate Delay Affected Employment
Despite completing her studies, F.W.K. did not receive her diploma. In 2025, KCNP issued a letter confirming course completion but said the certificate was still held by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
Repeated follow-ups with both institutions failed to resolve the issue, prompting F.W.K. to file a complaint with the Commission on Administrative Justice in February 2026.
Ombudsman Steps In
- The Commission opened an inquiry and requested explanations from KCNP and KNEC.
- KCNP confirmed it had requested the certificate release from KNEC multiple times.
- The Ombudsman pressed KNEC directly with letters and reminders between April and June 2026.
Following persistent pressure, KNEC informed the Ombudsman in June that the certificate was being processed and would be ready by the end of the month.
Diploma Finally Issued
On July 14, 2026, F.W.K. confirmed she had collected her diploma, closing a frustrating chapter that spanned seven years.
This case underscores how administrative delays in issuing academic certificates can significantly impact graduates’ career opportunities.
