How to Replace a Lost or Damaged KCSE Certificate in Kenya (2026 Guide)

Complete KNEC certificate replacement guide: lost, stolen, damaged, name change. Fees, forms (KNEC/T/CERT/01), affidavit, police abstract, processing time and how to collect.

Can a KCSE certificate be replaced?

Yes. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) issues certified copies of KCSE, KCPE, KJSEA, TVET, ECDE and PTE certificates to candidates whose originals have been lost, stolen, damaged, defaced or destroyed (e.g. in a fire or flood). KNEC does not reprint the original certificate — instead it issues a certified statement of results or a certified copy that has the same legal weight.

Documents you will need

1. A police abstract obtained from the nearest police station — free of charge. Report exactly when and how the certificate was lost or damaged.
2. A sworn affidavit from a Commissioner for Oaths or Magistrate. Cost: roughly Ksh 500–1,500 in private chambers.
3. A copy of your national ID (both sides) or birth certificate if under 18.
4. Two recent passport-size photos.
5. The damaged certificate itself (if you still have it) — surrender it to KNEC.
6. For name changes: a gazette notice or marriage certificate.

Step-by-step application process

1. Pay the prescribed fee. The current replacement fee per certificate is set by KNEC and is subject to periodic review. Pay through the official KNEC bank account published on the KNEC website at the time of application. Quote your full name and index number as the reference.
2. Download the application form KNEC/T/CERT/01 from www.knec.ac.ke → Downloads → Forms. Fill it in block letters.
3. Attach the bank slip, police abstract, sworn affidavit, ID copy and photos.
4. Submit in person at Mtihani House, Dennis Pritt Road, South C, Nairobi, or through your nearest Huduma Centre. KNEC also accepts applications through the Query Management Information System (QMIS) on www.knec.ac.ke for some categories.
5. Get an acknowledgement slip with a reference number. Keep this safely.

How long does replacement take?

Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date a complete application is received. Track progress through the official Query Management Information System (QMIS) portal using your reference number.

Collecting the certified copy

You must collect the certificate in person at Mtihani House with your national ID and the acknowledgement slip. KNEC does not post certificates. If you cannot collect personally, send a written authorisation plus an ID copy of the person collecting on your behalf.

What if KNEC has no record of your results?

This happens for KCSE results sat before 1989 or where the school's centre code has changed. KNEC will issue a Letter of No Record, which is normally enough for employer verification but not for further studies.

Verifying your certificate's authenticity

Employers, universities and immigration officers can verify any KNEC certificate through the KNEC e-Verification portal at www.knec.ac.ke → Verification. The candidate's index number is required.

Common questions

Can a parent or sibling apply on my behalf? Yes, with a notarised authority letter and ID copies of both parties.

I lost my certificate abroad — what do I do? Report the loss to the nearest Kenyan embassy, get a police abstract from the local police, then send a scanned application bundle to the official KNEC contact channel published on their website while a relative submits hard copies in Nairobi.

Is the certified copy accepted by foreign universities? Yes — KNEC-certified copies carry the same weight as originals and are accepted by WES, UK NARIC and most Commonwealth universities for credential evaluation.

Need to check your KCSE results too? Read our companion guide: How to check KCSE results — SMS, online portal & replacement.

Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the KNEC Hub editorial team.