The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has launched a new digital platform to streamline the verification of academic certificates in a bid to curb the growing menace of forged documents in the public sector.
Unveiled at Mitihani House, the app-based verification platform is currently undergoing pilot testing in collaboration with the Public Service Commission. Speaking during the launch, Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Julius Bitok described the platform as a “game changer” in the war against fake academic papers.
“With this platform, we are saying goodbye to the era of forged certificates. Verification is now fast, secure, and accessible,” said Dr. Bitok, emphasizing that the initiative supports government efforts to promote integrity and transparency. The move comes as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) intensifies a crackdown on fraudulent qualifications, with several suspects already arrested and cases in court.
Alongside the platform, the Ministry of Education is strengthening support for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Dr. Bitok announced the rollout of digital programs and interactive online resources to assist teachers and parents in navigating 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 urged.
In another significant development, Dr. Bitok also launched the Education Assessment Resource Centre (EARC), a facility designed to enhance Kenya’s educational assessment systems. The Centre is funded through a partnership involving the Kenyan government, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and other development partners.
The EARC aims to build capacity in psychometrics, data analysis, and modern assessment techniques. According to KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere, the Centre will help standardize testing procedures and ensure credibility in evaluating learning outcomes.
“This Centre will professionalize the assessment landscape in Kenya. It will ensure fairness and credibility in how we measure learning outcomes,” Dr. Njengere stated, adding that training for the first cohort of educators and assessment professionals is already underway.
