The Ministry of Education has officially launched a nationwide verification of academic and professional certificates for all staff members working in public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. This marks a major step toward restoring integrity in Kenya’s education and public service sectors.
According to a circular dated 3rd October 2025, the exercise affects all officers, tutors, and trainers working in national polytechnics, technical colleges, and vocational training centers, regardless of their date of employment.
The directive was issued by the Principal Secretary for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, who emphasized that every officer must validate their certificates to curb the growing menace of fake academic qualifications in the public service.
The crackdown follows findings by the Public Service Commission (PSC) that a “significant number” of public servants may have secured employment using fraudulent certificates from both local and foreign institutions.
“The Commission has noted that a significant number of employees were employed using fraudulent academic and professional certificates. All certificates must now be authenticated and reports submitted to the Commission,” read part of the circular.
This verification exercise builds on previous government efforts to clean up the education sector after the Fake Degree Scandal in Kenya: Over 100 Arrested in Mombasa Crackdown.
All TVET Tutors, Trainers, and Staff to Participate
The directive requires all TVET employees — including administrative and support staff — to authenticate their academic and professional documents. Long-serving officers who joined decades ago will not be exempted from the process.
The Ministry insists that this verification will not only protect the credibility of TVET institutions but also ensure that only qualified trainers handle Kenya’s technical learners under the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework.
Deadline Set for October 18, 2025
All officers are required to complete the verification exercise by 18th October 2025 through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) portal at http://qmis.knec.ac.ke.
The verification applies to the following categories of academic qualifications:
- Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE)
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
- Diploma and Certificate qualifications awarded by KNEC
Those with university or foreign qualifications must seek validation from their awarding institutions or the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Step-by-Step Guide for Certificate Verification
Below is a quick guide for trainers and TVET officers to complete the process efficiently:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit KNEC QMIS Portal | Go to http://qmis.knec.ac.ke |
| 2 | Register / Log In | Use a valid email and ID number |
| 3 | Upload Documents | Upload scanned copies of KCPE, KCSE, and Diploma certificates |
| 4 | Pay Verification Fee | Pay via mobile money or bank as guided |
| 5 | Download Verification Report | Once verified, download and print your confirmation |
The Ministry confirmed that KNEC will maintain discounted verification fees for public servants, and institutions are encouraged to coordinate submissions collectively to avoid congestion on the portal.
Institutions to Facilitate the Process
Principals of all national polytechnics, TTIs, and vocational colleges have been directed to notify their staff immediately and provide administrative assistance throughout the exercise.
Each institution must compile a verified staff list and submit it to the Public Service Commission (PSC) upon completion. Failure to comply will attract disciplinary action under PSC regulations.
“Please impress upon your staff to expedite the process through the KNEC portal. Failure to comply may lead to disciplinary measures,” warned Dr. Muoria.
Why This Exercise Is Important
The verification drive seeks to restore public trust in Kenya’s education and certification systems. Fake academic papers have long tainted the reputation of public institutions, with some unqualified individuals occupying senior positions.
Through this directive, the Ministry aims to:
- Strengthen accountability and professionalism in public service.
- Safeguard Kenya’s education standards.
- Ensure public funds go only to qualified and legitimate employees.
- Support the government’s digital transformation agenda by linking verified qualifications to online teacher profiles, similar to the TSC Portal Status Codes Explained in 2025.
Special Instructions for TVET Trainers
TVET trainers are specifically reminded that all academic and professional certificates — including those earned abroad — must be verified.
Certificates obtained from foreign universities must be authenticated by the Commission for University Education (CUE) before being forwarded for validation.
Institutions must handle all documents under confidential cover to protect staff privacy and ensure data protection compliance.
This initiative aligns with TSC’s broader reforms and the Education Ministry’s goal of professionalizing teaching and technical training, reducing cases of unqualified staff, and promoting efficiency similar to what was highlighted in “Hakuna Stress, More Time in Class” Initiative.
Looking Ahead
The verification exercise is expected to run into early 2026, as some institutions may take longer to compile and submit reports to PSC.
The Ministry has assured that all verification results will be treated confidentially and used solely for administrative purposes. Once complete, verified staff members will be entered into a centralized database that will form part of Kenya’s digital education workforce registry.
Dr. Muoria applauded the cooperation of TVET institutions, saying the process would enhance trust and professionalism across the education sector.
“Your cooperation and immediate action in implementing this directive is highly appreciated,” she concluded.
Summary Table: Key Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Ministry of Education – State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training |
| Date Issued | 3rd October 2025 |
| Effective Institutions | National Polytechnics, TTIs, TVET Colleges |
| Responsible Officer | Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, PhD, CBS – Principal Secretary |
| Deadline for Verification | 18th October 2025 |
| Verification Platform | http://qmis.knec.ac.ke |
| Penalties | Administrative action for non-compliance |
| Target Staff | All public officers, trainers, and TVET staff, regardless of employment date |
Conclusion
The Education Ministry’s directive on certificate verification is one of the strongest moves to restore integrity and accountability in Kenya’s public service. It ensures that only qualified professionals continue serving in public institutions, particularly in TVET colleges that play a critical role in Kenya’s technical and industrial growth.
With the October 18 deadline fast approaching, all trainers, tutors, and officers are urged to verify their certificates through the KNEC portal to comply with the directive. This reform not only protects the credibility of Kenya’s education system but also sets a clear standard for ethical public service in 2025 and beyond.
