The Ministry of Education has announced sweeping reforms in the issuance of national examination and assessment certificates, with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) set to introduce electronic certificates (e-certificates) as part of a broader digital transformation agenda.
The move, unveiled on Friday, February 13, will begin with a pilot phase targeting candidates who sat national examinations from 2023 onwards.
The ministry says the initiative aims to modernise examination administration, enhance data security, and reduce operational costs.
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Speaking during the launch of the 2026 examination and assessment candidates’ registration season at KNEC offices in South C, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the new system aligns Kenya’s education sector with global digital standards.
“KNEC will be implementing a secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electronic certificate system, applicable to certificates issued from 2023. Our aim is to enhance data security, reduce operational costs, improve accessibility, and align with global digital transformation standards,” said Ogamba.
He was accompanied by KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere during the announcement.
Pilot Phase and Scope
According to the ministry, the e-certificate system will be piloted by the end of February to allow KNEC to test its functionality before a nationwide rollout.
KNEC clarified that the introduction of electronic certificates does not mean the immediate replacement of physical certificates.
Citizens will still be required to retain their paper certificates for official use, including job applications and academic admissions.
“The piloting phase does not mean the complete replacement of physical certificates,” a KNEC official said, adding that more details on the system’s features and modalities will be shared during the official launch of the pilot phase.
Upon successful implementation, the council is considering extending the system to include certificates issued before 2023.
Online Verification to Curb Fraud
In a complementary move, KNEC will introduce an online verification service to enable employers, universities, and other institutions to confirm the authenticity of certificates efficiently.
The verification process is expected to significantly reduce cases of certificate fraud and boost confidence in Kenya’s education credentials both locally and internationally.
Currently, KNEC operates an online certificate verification platform launched in mid-2025, though it remains in the pilot phase.
The council also manages the Query Management Information System (QMIS), an online portal that allows users to confirm examination results and request certification letters for lost certificates.
The latest reforms mark a significant step in Kenya’s push toward digital transformation in public service delivery, particularly within the education sector.