Kenya launches Avalanche blockchain for 15 million records

Kenya has launched a nationwide digital platform to verify academic credentials using blockchain technology, a major public-sector initiative aimed at combating fraud and streamlining a historically slow process. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) announced the system, built on the Avalanche blockchain, on August 3, 2026.

The platform will initially incorporate more than 15 million historical academic records dating back to 1989, with plans to expand to support approximately 35 million certificates. The system is designed to provide instant, secure verification for employers, universities, and other institutions, replacing a manual process that could take weeks or even months. By creating a tamper-proof digital ledger, the council aims to eradicate the persistent problem of forged academic documents.

Dr. David Njengere, the Chief Executive Officer of KNEC, stated that candidates will now have secure online access to their academic records, allowing them to download and manage their credentials more easily. The system covers various tiers of Kenya's education system, including national exams at Grade 8 and Grade 12, advanced diploma programs, and government teacher...