Kenya Unveils Digital Platform to Fight Fake Certificates and Transform Education

 

By Levin Kiprop

In a major step towards fighting academic fraud and improving education quality, the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has launched a new digital platform to verify academic certificates. The platform, which is currently in its pilot phase, was unveiled at Mitihani House by Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Julius Bitok.

“With this platform, we are saying goodbye to the era of forged certificates. Verification is now fast, secure, and accessible,” said Dr. Bitok during the launch, emphasizing the government's commitment to restoring integrity in the education system.

The platform is being rolled out in collaboration with the Public Service Commission and aims to simplify and secure the process of certificate verification, which has long been plagued by forgeries and delays.

The launch comes at a time when the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is cracking down on individuals holding fake academic credentials in the public sector. Several arrests have been made, and multiple cases are now before the courts, underlining the urgency of the government’s response.

In addition to the verification platform, the Ministry of Education is accelerating efforts to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Dr. Bitok announced new digital resources for teachers and parents, aimed at improving understanding and application of 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 said.

Also launched at the event was the Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC), a facility designed to improve how exams are developed, marked, and managed. The Centre will also serve as a training ground for teachers and examiners, equipping them with modern assessment and data management skills.

The EARC is jointly funded by the Government of Kenya, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and other international partners. It is part of a broader strategy to ensure fairness and professionalism in Kenya’s learning and assessment systems.

Describing the Centre as a “game changer,” Dr. Bitok said it will support the country’s goal of delivering high-quality education for all. KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere echoed these sentiments, noting that the Centre will help standardize learning assessments across the country.

The first group of teachers has already begun training at the facility, marking a significant step in the transition toward a modern, transparent, and accountable education system.

This series of digital reforms underscores Kenya’s commitment to eradicating corruption and promoting excellence in its education sector—ensuring that qualifications are earned, not forged, and that every learner has access to quality education.