NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled a new digital verification platform designed to crack down on fake academic certificates and fast-track the authentication of qualifications across the country.
The app-based platform, which is currently being piloted in collaboration with the Public Service Commission (PSC), was launched on Friday at Mitihani House by Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok.
“With this platform, we are saying goodbye to the era of forged certificates. Verification is now fast, secure, and accessible,” said Prof Bitok.
The platform comes amid a major crackdown on forged academic documents within the public sector.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has already arrested several suspects and is pursuing active court cases against others.
Education Reforms Gain Momentum
Alongside the digital rollout, the Ministry of Education is also ramping up support for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with Bitok announcing a new suite of online resources designed to support teachers and parents in navigating CBC pathways.
“We have digital programs already in place that teachers and parents can access online. I urge all stakeholders—including learners—to make use of these resources immediately,” he said.
New Education Assessment Centre Opens
Prof Bitok also presided over the launch of the Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC), a state-of-the-art facility aimed at strengthening Kenya’s assessment systems, psychometrics, and competency-based evaluation.
The Centre, funded by the Kenyan government in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other development partners, is expected to improve the quality, fairness, and inclusivity of Kenya’s national assessments.
“This Centre is a game changer. It will equip teachers, examiners, and researchers with skills in psychometrics, data analysis, and assessment techniques,” said Bitok.
KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere added that the facility will help professionalize Kenya’s assessment processes and improve the credibility of learning outcomes.
“The EARC will ensure fairness and promote inclusion in our education system. Our first cohort of educators has already begun training,” said Dr. Njengere.
