How to access KCSE and KCPE certificate services through KNEC's new portal

There was a time when replacing a lost KCSE certificate or confirming examination results meant travelling to Nairobi, filling out paperwork and waiting weeks for feedback.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is now moving many of those services online through its new E-Certificate Platform, allowing former candidates to apply for certificate-related services from wherever they are.

The platform initially supports KCSE certificates, with additional services expected to follow.

What services are available?

Through the new portal, eligible candidates can:

• Access and download digital KCSE certificates.

• Verify the authenticity of certificates.

• Apply for certificate-related services online without visiting KNEC offices in person.

According to KNEC, the system currently supports certificates available in its database from 1989 to 2025, with services being rolled out in phases. KCPE support is expected to follow.

How to register

To use the platform, applicants need to:

• Visit the official KNEC E-Certificate portal: KNEC E-Certificate Platform

• Create an account using a valid email address.

• Complete the identity verification process.

• Follow the prompts to access the available certificate services.

The identity verification step is intended to ensure certificates are only issued to their rightful owners.

How much does it cost?

KNEC says applicants will pay a Sh1,200 processing fee before downloading a verifiable digital certificate. Payment is made through the online platform after identity verification has been completed.

Who can use the portal?

The platform is designed for former KCSE candidates whose certificates are already stored in KNEC's database.

While the portal also lists KCPE, KPSEA, TVET and teacher examination services, some of these are still marked as "coming soon."

Pro's of the new system

For years, many Kenyans have struggled to access examination certificates needed for employment, university admissions and professional registration, especially after losing the original documents or relocating far from their former schools.

By moving certificate services online, KNEC aims to reduce travel, paperwork and processing time while making it easier for candidates to obtain verifiable examination documents whenever they need them.