Getting a copy of a KCSE certificate no longer has to involve long queues or physical visits after the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) introduced an online platform that allows candidates to access, download and verify their certificates from anywhere.
The new e-certificate system is expected to make access to academic documents easier while protecting the authenticity of examination certificates through a secure digital process. It also offers an electronic verification service that enables employers, universities and other institutions to confirm the validity of certificates with the candidate's approval.
Under the new system, candidates are required to register on the e-certificate portal using their full names and email addresses. First-time users must activate their accounts by entering a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to their registered email before accessing the platform.
After creating an account, applicants are required to complete their profiles by providing details such as their citizenship, date of birth, phone number and identification information where necessary.
To request an e-certificate, candidates will be required to enter their KCSE index number, examination year and examination type. The system will then verify the information automatically before allowing them to proceed with payment.
Each e-certificate will cost Sh1,500. Payment can be made through an M-Pesa STK push sent to the applicant's registered mobile number or through the online payment option available on the portal.
Once payment is confirmed, the certificate is generated and can be downloaded immediately in PDF format.
Knec has also provided an online verification service to allow third parties to confirm the authenticity of KCSE certificates after receiving the certificate holder's consent.
To complete the verification process, applicants must upload the downloaded e-certificate, fill in the required examination details, select the institution that will receive the verification report or provide custom recipient details, and make the required payment. The system then generates and sends the verification report electronically.
The platform supports KCSE certificates issued from 1989 to date, making it possible for both recent candidates and those who sat the examination years ago to obtain their certificates online.
According to Knec, the digital service is intended to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork and provide secure access to academic records while speeding up certificate verification for employment, further studies and other official requirements.
The council has advised users to download the platform's user manual for detailed instructions on account registration, certificate generation and the verification process.