Kenya Tackles Certificate Fraud with Blockchain-Powered Academic Verification

Kenya has launched a blockchain system to secure its national academic credentials and reduce certificate fraud. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) built the platform with Avalanche technology, partnering with a local Kenyan provider.

The new system anchors historical and current examination records on the Avalanche C-Chain, covering records dating back to 1989. This reduces dependence on slow manual checks and separate institutional databases, making it easier for employers and universities to verify credentials within seconds.

KNEC expects the total number of secured records to reach about 35 million nationwide, with over 15 million already included in the platform. The system will also process millions of new digital certificates annually as students complete national examinations.

The Kenya government aims to combat persistent cases involving forged certificates and false academic claims. Traditional checks often required written requests, offline files, and long administrative reviews, leading to verification delays for high-volume recruiters.