The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has rolled out a digital certificate platform allowing candidates who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination to download official electronic certificates online.
The new service also covers candidates whose examination records are stored in the KNEC database from 1989 to 2025, marking a major shift towards digitising academic credentials and simplifying access to essential education documents.
The new platform promises faster, safer and more convenient access to KCSE certificates while reducing reliance on physical academic documents nationwide.
KNEC expands access to digital certificates
In a notice issued on Wednesday, August 5, KNEC announced that eligible candidates can now obtain official electronic copies of their KCSE certificates through the newly launched e-certificate platform.
The council said the digital certificates are legally recognised and can be used for university admissions, college and TVET applications, scholarships, internships, employment opportunities and international academic applications.
According to KNEC, the certificates are issued directly by the examinations council and secured using blockchain technology to enhance authenticity and prevent forgery.
"The e-certificate is issued directly by KNEC, is legally valid and officially recognised. It is instantly verifiable by any organisation, never expires and is secured using blockchain technology," the council stated.
How candidates can download the e-certificate
To access the document, applicants must first create an account on the KNEC e-certificate portal before verifying their email address using a one-time password (OTP).
Candidates are then required to verify their identity using their National Identity Card details before entering their KCSE index number, examination year and examination type.
The system allows applicants to preview their certificate and confirm that details such as their name, school and final grade are accurate before proceeding with payment.
Applicants will then pay a Ksh1,500 processing fee through the eCitizen platform.
Once payment is confirmed, the electronic certificate becomes available for download, is emailed to the applicant and remains accessible through the user's online dashboard.
The platform serves candidates whose certificates are available in the KNEC database from 1989 to 2025, providing a convenient alternative for individuals who have misplaced their academic certificates or require quick access for applications.
The rollout forms part of the government's broader digital transformation agenda aimed at improving access to public services while making academic records easier to verify, store and share securely.
