Losing your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificate can be stressful, especially when you need it to prove your educational qualifications. While the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) no longer replaces lost, defaced, or burnt certificates, it offers an alternative through the issuance of an official certification letter. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a certification of your KCSE or KCPE exam results and includes all relevant information you need to successfully navigate the process.
What Is KNEC?
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is the national examination body responsible for administering primary, secondary, and post-school examinations in Kenya. Established in 1980, KNEC oversees educational assessments and issues certificates to successful candidates. These certificates are crucial for further education and employment opportunities.
Why You Need Your KCPE/KCSE Certificate
Your KCPE or KCSE certificate is a fundamental document used for:
- Admission to higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities.
- Employment applications, as it serves as proof of your educational background.
However, in the unfortunate event that your certificate is lost or destroyed, KNEC provides a certification service that confirms you sat for the examinations. This certification can be used in place of the original certificate when applying for jobs or further studies.
KNEC’s New Policy on Certificate Replacement
In 2017, KNEC, through its Deputy Secretary in charge of Field Administration, Mohamud Ibrahim, announced the discontinuation of certificate replacement. The decision aimed to curb the circulation of fake certificates, a growing concern in Kenya. Instead of issuing replacements, KNEC provides a notification sheet (certification letter) confirming that the applicant sat for the exam in question.
How to Apply for Certification of Exam Results
To apply for a certification letter from KNEC, follow these steps:
1. Gather the Required Documents
Before applying, make sure you have the following documents:
- A police abstract indicating the loss or destruction of the certificate.
- A sworn affidavit confirming the certificate’s loss.
- A letter of recommendation from your former school, addressed to the CEO of KNEC, or from the County Education Office for private candidates.
- A confirmation letter from the Registrar of Persons verifying your identity.
- A copy of your KCSE/KCPE result slip or certificate (if available).
- A national ID or passport, or birth certificate (for minors).
- One color passport-size photo.
- The original bank deposit slip showing proof of payment.
2. Fill Out the Certification Application Form
The application form can be downloaded from the KNEC website or obtained from the KNEC Archives and Records Office. Ensure that you carefully fill in all the required details, including:
- Your name, as it appears on the original certificate.
- Year of examination.
- Examination center and index number.
- Proof of payment details.
3. Pay the Certification Fee
The fee for certification of KCSE or KCPE results is Ksh 5,220, which includes VAT. You must pay this amount at one of KNEC’s authorized collection banks:
- Equity Bank
- National Bank of Kenya
- Co-operative Bank of Kenya
- Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB)
Note that general bank deposit slips are not accepted—only KNEC-specific slips available at the bank.
4. Submit Your Application in Person
You must submit your application in person at KNEC offices. For minors, parents or guardians must accompany the applicant with their national ID and the minor’s birth certificate.
5. Wait for Processing
KNEC processes certification applications within 60 working days. It’s important to note that the certification letter is not replaceable, and applications with missing documents will be declined. Be sure to keep all bank slips for future reference in case of refunds or follow-ups.
Key Requirements to Keep in Mind
- No payment should be made until KNEC verifies the documents.
- If the application is incomplete or does not meet the requirements, the applicant will be refunded, but the bank slips must be presented within 12 months from the date of deposit.
- Certificates that are not collected within two years from the application date will be disposed of, and no refund will be issued.
Special Requirements for Post-School Examinations
For certifications related to post-school examinations such as Business, Technical, or Teacher Education exams, you must attach copies of all relevant result slips for each module.
Where to Collect the Certification Letter
Once your certification is ready, you must collect it in person from the KNEC offices. If the applicant is a minor, a parent or guardian must accompany them with their original national ID and the minor’s birth certificate.
KNEC Office Locations and Contacts
KNEC has several offices where you can drop off your application and make inquiries:
- KNEC Head Office: NHC House, Aga Khan Walk, Nairobi.
- Mitihani House: Dennis Pritt Road, Kilimani, Nairobi.
- Industrial Area Offices: Likoni Road, Ministry of Public Works, Nairobi.
For further assistance, you can contact KNEC through:
- Email: info@knec.ac.ke
- Phone: +254 020 3317412 / 0732333860
- Website: www.knec.ac.ke
While KNEC no longer replaces lost or destroyed certificates, the process of obtaining a certification letter is relatively straightforward. By following the outlined steps and ensuring all required documents are in order, you can successfully apply for certification and prove your academic achievements without undue stress.
Make sure to apply well in advance of any deadlines for job applications or educational admissions, as the process can take up to two months.
