The Attorney General responded after Education CS Amina Mohamed lowered the minimum entry grade for diploma courses from C+ to C- and certificate courses from C to D.

Kariuki, however, has dismissed the lowering of the grades, saying Ms Mohamed has no such powers.

The AG said only the Teachers Service Commission has the powers to prescribe the entry qualifications.

The Government’s legal advisor did not speak on the fate of thousands of newly admitted students who were allowed into colleges with lower grades.

Mohamed had said the move to lower entry grades would apply to specific marginalised counties which have suffered staff shortages in schools.

The counties included Turkana, Samburu, Wajir, Marsabit, Isiolo, Mandera, Garissa, Lamu, Baringo, Narok, Kajiado, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Tana River and West Pokot.

TSC did not agree with the decision and sought legal advice from the AG.