The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled a new electronic certificate platform that allows former national examination candidates to access and download digital copies of their KCSE and KCPE certificates online.
The new service is available to candidates whose examination records are stored in the KNEC database between 1989 and 2025, eliminating the need for applicants to visit KNEC offices or their former schools to obtain certified copies.
Under the new platform, users can register an account, verify their identity, pay the required fee and instantly download a verifiable digital certificate.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of former students who have lost their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificates.
How the New KNEC e-Certificate Platform Works
According to KNEC, applicants must first create an account on the e-Certificate portal using a valid email address before completing their personal profile.
Kenyan applicants are required to provide their National Identity Card details, which are automatically verified through the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS).
After successful verification, applicants enter their examination index number, select either KCSE or KCPE, and indicate the examination year.
Candidates whose details match KNEC records are then required to pay a certificate generation fee of Ksh1,200 plus VAT and applicable eCitizen charges.
Once payment is confirmed, the digital certificate becomes available for download in PDF format.
Certificates Come With Blockchain Verification
KNEC says every digital certificate generated through the platform carries a unique blockchain verification hash, enabling universities, employers and other institutions to confirm its authenticity.
Downloaded certificates will remain accessible for six months after generation. The council also noted that candidates can send official verification reports directly to employers, universities, and other organisations through the platform.
In addition, KNEC has introduced a separate verification portal for institutions, government agencies, and professional bodies to verify academic certificates.
The system also supports bulk verification, allowing organisations to verify up to 1,000 certificates in a single request by uploading a CSV file alongside certificate documents.
