The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) plays a vital role in the country’s education system as outlined in Section 10 of the KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012. KNEC is responsible for setting and maintaining examination standards, administering national exams at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, and conducting research on educational assessment. Additionally, KNEC is mandated to award certificates and diplomas to successful candidates and verify the authenticity of these documents upon request by government institutions, employers, or other parties.
One of KNEC’s primary responsibilities is managing key national exams, including the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The council also offers an online platform known as the Query Management Information System (QMIS), allowing users to handle issues such as lost certificates, result confirmation, and equivalency for foreign qualifications.
What to Do if You Lose Your KNEC Certificate
KNEC does not replace lost or damaged certificates. Instead, it issues a Certification Letter which is legally recognized and can serve in place of the original document. If you have lost your KNEC certificate, follow these steps to apply for a Certification Letter:
Steps to Apply for a KNEC Certification Letter
- Register an Account on QMIS
Visit the KNEC Query Management Information System (QMIS) website and create an account. Once registered, you will receive login credentials via email. - Log in to Your Account
Use the credentials sent to your email to access your account on the QMIS platform. - Select the ‘Lost Certificate’ Option
From the menu, choose the option for a lost certificate. You will be prompted to provide the necessary details. - Provide Exam Details
Enter your index number, type of exam (KCPE, KCSE, etc.), and the year you sat for the exam, then click ‘Find.’ - Attach Required Documents
The following documents must be uploaded:
- A copy of the lost certificate or result slip (mandatory)
- A copy of both sides of your National ID
- Passport-size photo
- Police abstract report for the lost certificate
- Confirmation letter from the Registrar of Persons (available at the NSSF Building, Upper Hill, Nairobi)
- Submit Your Application
After filling in the details and uploading the documents, submit your application for verification. - Wait for Verification
KNEC will review your application. You will receive an SMS notification prompting you to log in and make a payment once your application has been verified. - Make Payment
Pay the required fee of KES 5,220 using the payment methods available on the platform. - Track Your Application
You can monitor the progress of your application through the QMIS platform. - Collect Your Certification Letter
Once your certification letter is ready, you will receive an SMS notification. You will need to collect the letter in person from the KNEC offices.
Convenience of the QMIS Platform
Thanks to the QMIS platform, most queries related to examination results can be resolved online without the need for in-person visits to KNEC offices. However, individuals will still need to visit the offices to collect physical documents such as the Certification Letter.
By streamlining the process of handling lost certificates, KNEC ensures that individuals can quickly and efficiently obtain the necessary documents to continue their academic or professional pursuits.