The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has officially launched a digital platform to verify academic certificates, marking a major milestone in the fight against forged credentials in Kenya.
Visit KNEC’s official website to explore QMIS.
Unveiled at Mitihani House on July 4, 2025, the new system was introduced by Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Julius Bitok, who emphasized its potential to streamline certificate authentication. The app-based platform is currently in the pilot phase, developed in collaboration with the Public Service Commission (PSC).
“With this platform, we are saying goodbye to the era of forged certificates. Verification is now fast, secure, and accessible,” said Dr. Bitok, highlighting the platform’s capacity to accelerate the validation of academic and professional qualifications.
The KNEC digital certificate verification tool comes at a time when the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is intensifying its crackdown on fake academic documents in the public sector. Several individuals have already been arrested, and multiple forgery-related cases are being prosecuted in court.
Beyond certificate verification, the Ministry of Education is also expanding efforts to support the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). According to Dr. Bitok, new digital resources and platforms have been launched to assist teachers, parents, and learners in understanding and implementing CBC pathways.
“We have digital programs already in place that teachers and parents can access online to learn more about CBC pathways. I urge all stakeholders—including learners—to make use of these resources immediately,” he stated.
Launch of Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC)
In a parallel development, the Ministry also inaugurated the Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC)—a pioneering institution aimed at elevating educational assessment and research in Kenya. The Centre is funded by the Government of Kenya, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and other partners.
The EARC will focus on improving psychometrics, competency-based evaluation, and test development standards. It is also expected to provide professional development for examiners and educators.
“The Centre is a game changer. It will equip teachers, examiners, and researchers with skills in psychometrics, data analysis, and assessment techniques,” Dr. Bitok noted. “It aligns perfectly with our vision for quality and inclusive education.”
KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere echoed this sentiment, affirming that the EARC would play a central role in enhancing equity and credibility in national assessments.
“This Centre will professionalize the assessment landscape in Kenya. It will ensure fairness and credibility in how we measure learning outcomes,” said Dr. Njengere. He also disclosed that the first cohort of education professionals has already begun training at the facility.
A Digital Future for Kenyan Education
The KNEC digital certificate verification initiative represents a bold step towards modernizing Kenya’s education system and restoring trust in academic qualifications. With rising concerns about academic fraud and misrepresentation, the digital tool ensures that employers, institutions, and government agencies can instantly verify certificates using secure, real-time technology.
By complementing the verification system with expanded CBC support and the launch of the EARC, the Ministry of Education is signaling its commitment to a transparent, technology-driven, and competency-based education system.
Visit KNEC’s official website to explore QMIS.
