Kenya Unveils Digital Platform to Verify Academic Certificates, Launches Education Assessment Resource Centre

 

 In a major step toward combating academic fraud and improving the credibility of recruitment processes, the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has launched a new digital platform to verify academic certificates.

The platform, which is currently being piloted in partnership with the Public Service Commission (PSC), was unveiled today by Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Julius Bitok, during a ceremony held at Mitihani House.

Dr. Bitok said the innovation is a critical intervention in the fight against fake academic documents and will help restore integrity in both the education system and public service appointments.

“This platform provides a fast, secure, and reliable way to authenticate certificates issued by KNEC. It will enhance transparency in recruitment processes and ensure that only genuine qualifications are recognised, especially in the public sector,” said Dr. Bitok.

The digital verification system is expected to curb the long-standing problem of forged academic papers, which has been a challenge for employers and institutions across the country. Once fully operational, it will enable institutions and prospective employers to verify credentials in real-time.

At the same event, Dr. Bitok also officially launched the Education Assessment Resource Centre, a national facility aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capacity in educational assessment, psychometrics, and competency-based evaluation.

Located at Mitihani House, the Centre is designed to support the training of teachers and examiners, promote standardisation in test development, and drive research to inform data-driven decision-making in the education sector.

The Centre is supported by the Government of Kenya in collaboration with international development partners, including UK International Development, and has already admitted its first cohort of education professionals.

 
“We remain firmly committed to restoring integrity in our education system, entrenching meritocracy in public service, and building an environment where competence and honesty go hand in hand,” Dr. Bitok stated.

The dual launch underscores the government’s broader efforts to modernise the education sector, ensure the credibility of academic qualifications, and promote fair and transparent public service recruitment.