How to Verify KCSE and Degree Certificates in Kenya

The only reliable way to verify an academic certificate is to ask the body that issued it. In Kenya that means KNEC for KCSE (and other KNEC exams), the awarding university for degrees, and the Commission for University Education (CUE) for the recognition of foreign degrees. Fake certificates can look perfect, so never rely on the paper alone.

Verifying KCSE certificates with KNEC

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) runs an online e-certificate platform with a separate account type for organisations that verify certificates, such as employers, universities and professional bodies.

1. Register as a verifier organisation (once)

1. Go to ecertificate.knec.ac.ke, or the e-certificate tab on knec.ac.ke.
2. Sign up as a Verifier Organisation, enter your organisation's details and upload your certificate of incorporation.
3. Confirm your corporate email with the one-time code KNEC sends.
4. Wait for approval - new accounts show "Pending Approval" until KNEC reviews them, and you are emailed the outcome.

2. Submit a verification request

1. Choose New Verification Request. You can add several candidates to one request.
2. For each candidate, enter their full name exactly as on the certificate, index number, exam type and exam year, and upload a PDF of the certificate.
3. Enter the purpose (for example, employment screening), accept the consent declaration and confirm the email for the results.
4. Pay from your prepaid portal wallet or through eCitizen (including M-Pesa).

3. Read the result

KNEC returns a report for each candidate, and a consolidated report for the request. Each certificate is marked either Genuine or Referred to KNEC. "Referred" means KNEC needs to look further - it is not proof of forgery, but do not finalise the hire until it is resolved.

When reported in July 2026, the platform covered KCSE certificates from 1989 onwards.

Verifying university degrees

Kenyan universities verify their own awards. To verify a degree or diploma:

1. Get the candidate's consent and copies of the certificate and transcript.
2. Contact the university's registrar (often the academic registrar's office) using contacts from the university's official website - never the contacts printed on the document you are checking.
3. Ask for written confirmation of the award, the year, and the class or grade.

For TVET diplomas and certificates, contact the institution and, where the award came from an examining body such as KNEC or a professional body, verify with that body.

Foreign degrees: CUE recognition

The Commission for University Education (CUE) recognises and equates certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate awards from foreign universities, provided they come from an accredited and recognised institution. Recognition is a paid service, applied for by the qualification holder through CUE's online system.

For hiring, ask candidates with foreign degrees for their CUE recognition letter. Many Kenyan public-sector adverts already require one. It confirms that the qualification is recognised in Kenya and how it is equated; it does not replace a check that the candidate really earned it, which you can confirm with the foreign university.

Professional qualifications

For regulated professions, check the professional body's register as well as the certificate - for example the Nursing Council of Kenya for nurses, ICPAK for accountants, or the Engineers Board of Kenya for engineers. A valid certificate does not mean a current licence to practise.

Do it lawfully

Certificates carry personal data, so tell the candidate what you will verify and get their consent - KNEC's own portal asks you to accept a consent declaration. Keep only what you need and delete it when you are done. See how to run a legal background check in Kenya and our consent form template.

How Cazini helps

Cazini's education verification confirms the highest qualification a candidate claims directly with the issuing institution, usually in one to three working days, and puts the result in the same report as identity, KRA PIN, employment and criminal record checks. See background checks.

Sources

• The Star: how to verify an employee's KCSE certificate electronically (July 2026)
• KNEC e-certificate platform
• CUE: guidelines for recognition and equation of qualifications

Frequently asked questions

How do I verify a KCSE certificate?+

Register your organisation as a verifier on KNEC's e-certificate portal (ecertificate.knec.ac.ke), wait for KNEC to approve the account, then submit a verification request with the candidate's name exactly as on the certificate, index number, exam year and a PDF of the certificate. KNEC returns a report marking the certificate Genuine or Referred to KNEC.

How do I check if a KCSE certificate is genuine?+

Verify it with KNEC, which issued it, rather than judging the paper. KNEC's e-certificate platform lets approved organisations verify KCSE certificates from 1989 onwards and download a verification report.

How do I verify a university degree in Kenya?+

Contact the awarding university's registrar or academic office with the candidate's consent and a copy of the certificate and transcript. Many universities run their own verification requests, and some have online portals.

How do I verify a foreign degree in Kenya?+

Ask the candidate for a recognition letter from the Commission for University Education (CUE), which recognises and equates degrees and other awards from foreign universities. Many Kenyan public-sector adverts require this letter for foreign qualifications.

Can I verify many certificates at once?+

Yes. KNEC's e-certificate portal lets a verifier organisation add multiple candidates to one request and download a consolidated report, with a separate report for each candidate.