In a bold step to eliminate academic fraud in Kenya, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has launched a new real-time digital certificate verification system. This cutting-edge platform allows institutions, employers, and government agencies to instantly verify academic certificates issued by KNEC.
Dr. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, officially launched the platform on July 4, 2025, at Mitihani House, Nairobi. Speaking during the event, he emphasized that the new system would strengthen accountability and eliminate the longstanding problem of forged academic documents.
“With this system, we are ending the era of fake papers. Employers can now verify certificates in real time, which promotes transparency and speeds up recruitment,” said Dr. Bitok.
Addressing the Surge in Fake Academic Papers
Kenya has faced a growing crisis involving fake academic credentials, especially in public service. According to a 2025 Public Service Commission (PSC) audit of 168,667 public officers:
- 859 individuals presented fake academic certificates.
- 160 workers submitted forged professional qualifications.
- Over 24,500 certificates lacked proper verification.
Furthermore, the PSC dismissed 449 public servants after confirming they used fraudulent documents. These alarming statistics reveal the urgent need for a modern, efficient verification system. Instead of relying on slow and error-prone manual checks, institutions can now verify documents instantly through KNEC’s secure platform.
How the New KNEC Platform Works
The new verification platform connects directly to KNEC’s central certificate database. Users can confirm the authenticity of a certificate by entering the holder’s details into the system. The result—whether valid, invalid, or non-existent—is displayed in real time.
Dr. David Njeng’ere, CEO of KNEC, explained that the system works through both a web interface and a mobile app. The council began piloting it with the Public Service Commission, and it plans to expand the rollout to include the Ministry of Interior and later, private sector employers.
Key features include:
- Instant results with secure access from anywhere.
- Integration with KNEC records, covering KCPE, KCSE, and other national exams.
- User-friendly interface designed for HR and institutional users.
- Audit logs that track every verification request for accountability.
Enhancing Integrity Across Sectors
The new system isn’t just a technical upgrade; it marks a shift toward greater trust and accountability in both the education and employment sectors. Employers no longer need to rely on physical documents or slow verification processes. Now, they can make hiring decisions with confidence.
Dr. Bitok noted that all future public service recruits must undergo verification through this platform. This policy will ensure that only applicants with genuine qualifications enter government service.
Moreover, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will work closely with KNEC and law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals found using fraudulent certificates. This approach aims to send a clear message: forgery will not be tolerated.
KNEC Also Launches Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC)
At the same event, KNEC introduced another major innovation—the Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC). This center is designed to improve the quality of education through data-driven policies and modern assessment methods.
Supported by the Government of Kenya, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and other partners, EARC will:
- Build national capacity in psychometrics, data analytics, and quality assurance.
- Support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) through digital tools for teachers, learners, and parents.
- Provide training resources for schools to conduct fair and effective assessments.
- Help shift Kenya from traditional exam-based evaluation to holistic learning assessments.
Dr. Njeng’ere stressed that education should go beyond grades. “We need to assess the whole learner, including their co-curricular talents and life skills,” he explained.
A National Milestone in Education and Employment
KNEC’s digital platform is more than a tech solution—it is a powerful tool to restore integrity and meritocracy. Kenya now joins global leaders like India and the UK, where digital academic verification systems have dramatically reduced document fraud.
For job seekers, the message is simple: if your credentials are genuine, you now have nothing to fear. But if they are fake, the system will expose them in seconds.
For employers, the platform reduces hiring risks, protects institutional credibility, and saves time.
For parents and learners, it ensures that genuine effort is recognized and rewarded, while cheaters are weeded out of the system.
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What’s Next?
KNEC plans to continue upgrading the platform, including adding blockchain-based features and expanding coverage to more academic qualifications. As more sectors adopt this verification tool, Kenya will move closer to a transparent, trustworthy, and efficient education system.
Conclusion
By launching a real-time digital certificate verification platform, KNEC has taken a strong stance against academic fraud. The system empowers institutions, protects learners, and reinforces national values of honesty and integrity.
Combined with the Education Assessment Resource Centre, this initiative is a clear sign that Kenya is modernizing its education landscape—not only to meet current challenges but to prepare for a future where credibility and accountability define success.
