CS Kabogo reveals plan scrap paper degrees in bid to curb fake certificates
By David Nthua, October 1, 2025ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has revealed a government-backed plan to replace paper degrees in Kenya’s institutions of higher learning with digital credentials.
Through his official and verified X handle, the CS noted that the plan will be achieved by establishing effective mechanisms for Digital Verifiable Credentials, which can be securely authenticated using a digital system.
Also watch: Nigeria to ban degrees from Kenya, Uganda in crackdown
“This morning, I officially opened the Stakeholders Workshop for Verifiable Credentials, where stakeholders from the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Ministry of Education, and Tony Blair Institute (TBI), amongst other key players, are establishing a shared understanding of Verifiable Credentials and digital wallets,” Kabogo said.
Stakeholders align on digital rollout
The workshop has brought together experts and key stakeholders to explore real-world use cases for Verifiable Credentials and digital wallets.
The session has focused on adopting best practices while aligning a roadmap to identify stakeholders who will spearhead the proof of concept process, which will guide the nationwide implementation of digital credentials.
Kabogo has explained that implementing Verifiable Credentials addresses risk factors directly impacting Kenya’s labour market, such as the costs associated with paper certificate issuance and delays caused by manual verification checks.
“Verifiable Credentials will be instrumental in safeguarding privacy and security of data, restoring integrity, faster issuance and verification of academic credentials, transparency, and fairness in the digital and education ecosystem,” Kabogo wrote on X.
Digital credentials to set African precedent
The ICT Cabinet Secretary has further highlighted that the successful implementation of the initiative in Kenya will pave the way for rolling out Verifiable Credentials across Africa.
This positions the country as a pioneer in adopting secure, digital verification systems for education and professional credentials.
In attendance were ICT E-Government and Digital Economy Secretary Mary Kerema, Enterprise Architect from TBI Andrew Ferrier, Senior Advisor Michael Viano, Digital E-Government Advisor Charles Kinyeki, and representatives from the Ministry of Education.
Kabogo has underscored that the initiative will enhance efficiency in education management, reduce costs, and improve trust in academic qualifications, ultimately strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness in the regional and global labour markets.
The government has now committed to ensuring that Digital Verifiable Credentials become the standard in Kenya, marking a significant step in modernising the country’s education and digital infrastructure.