The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has launched a new digital platform for verifying academic certificates, in a move aimed at stamping out widespread forgery in the public and private sectors.
The platform, unveiled at Mitihani House by Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok, will allow instant and secure authentication of academic credentials via a mobile application. The verification tool is part of a broader government effort to restore credibility in educational qualifications and streamline employment screening processes.
“With this platform, we are saying goodbye to the era of forged certificates. Verification is now fast, secure, and accessible,” PS Bitok declared during the launch.
The system will be piloted in collaboration with the Public Service Commission (PSC), enabling employers, institutions, and government agencies to verify qualifications with greater ease and accuracy. Until now, verification relied heavily on manual processes that were time-consuming and vulnerable to fraud.
Crackdown on Fake Academic Credentials
Kenya has long grappled with fake certificates, particularly in public service, prompting numerous investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Several high-profile arrests have recently been made, with suspects facing prosecution for using forged documents to secure jobs.
The digital platform is expected to close these loopholes by offering real-time access to certificate verification, thus helping employers identify genuine qualifications more efficiently.
Support for Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)
At the same event, PS Bitok highlighted new online resources that will support the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). These digital tools are now available to teachers, learners, and parents seeking to understand the CBC framework and its diverse learning pathways.
“We have digital programs already in place that teachers and parents can access online to learn more about pathways,” said Bitok, calling on stakeholders to embrace the platforms without delay.
The Ministry of Education hopes the online learning resources will ease the transition into the CBC system, while deepening understanding among education stakeholders across the country.
Education Assessment Resource Centre Unveiled
In another milestone, KNEC also inaugurated the Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC), a facility dedicated to advancing the science of assessment and psychometrics in Kenya.
The centre, funded by the government and international partners including the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), will offer training and research opportunities in standardized testing, assessment development, and data-driven education practices.
“This is a game changer that will strengthen the skills of teachers, examiners, and researchers—especially in psychometrics and assessment methodology,” Bitok remarked.
KNEC CEO David Njengere welcomed the opening of the centre, emphasizing that it will play a vital role in promoting fairness, credibility, and inclusivity in national assessments. The centre has already admitted its first group of education professionals for training.
A Digital Future for Education Integrity
The rollout of digital certificate verification and the establishment of the EARC mark a transformative chapter in Kenya’s education reform journey. Together, they signal the government’s commitment to restoring public confidence in academic qualifications and fostering a more accountable, modern education system.
As Kenya tightens its grip on corruption and document fraud, these initiatives could help ensure that opportunities in education and employment are awarded based on merit—safeguarding the future of genuine learners across the country.
