Kenya Transitions from Paper Degrees to Digital Credentials
The Government of Kenya has announced plans to replace traditional paper degrees with a Digital Verifiable Credential system. This move is part of the country’s digital transformation agenda, aiming to enhance security, transparency, and efficiency in academic certification.
The initiative was launched at a Stakeholders Workshop for Verifiable Credentials, officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau.
Why Digital Verifiable Credentials Matter
According to CS Kabogo, the adoption of digital credentials will:
- Reduce costs linked to paper certificate printing.
- Eliminate delays caused by manual verification processes.
- Strengthen privacy and data security for students and institutions.
- Improve transparency and restore integrity in academic records.
- Enable faster verification of academic qualifications for employers and institutions.
This system will allow credentials to be securely authenticated via digital technology, streamlining the verification process and safeguarding against fraud.
Collaboration with Key Stakeholders
The workshop brought together stakeholders from:
- The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE)
- The Ministry of Education
- The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI)
- Other digital transformation partners
Participants explored real-world use cases for verifiable credentials and digital wallets and discussed a roadmap for the proof-of-concept phase, identifying key actors to lead the project.
A Model for Africa’s Digital Transformation
CS Kabogo highlighted that a successful rollout of digital credentials in Kenya could serve as a blueprint for other African nations. The shift is expected to align with broader goals of digital governance, data security, and innovation-driven economies across the continent.
Also in attendance were:
- Mary Kerema, Secretary ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy
- Andrew Ferrier, Enterprise Architect at TBI
- Michael Viano, Senior Advisor at TBI
- Charles Kinyeki, Digital E-Government Advisor at TBI
- Representatives from the Ministry of Education
Looking Ahead
The move to digital verifiable degrees signals a historic step in Kenya’s education and digital ecosystem. By reducing fraud, enhancing efficiency, and promoting trust, the system positions Kenya as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
