how to replace a lost KCPE certificate
Disclaimer: This blog is an independent informational resource. It is not affiliated with any government agency, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Losing your KCPE certificate can be frustrating, especially when it’s needed for high school admission, job applications, or official documentation. The good news is that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) provides a solution through the issuance of a certification letter in place of the lost certificate.

READ ALSO: How To Replace Lost KCSE Certificate: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide explains everything you need to know about how to replace a lost KCPE certificate in Kenya, including the documents required, fees involved, and the step-by-step online application process.

What is KNEC Certification Letter?

A KNEC certification letter is an official document issued to replace a lost KCPE or KCSE certificate. While KNEC does not print duplicate certificates, this letter confirms the candidate’s identity, exam details, and results. It includes your name, index number, the year of exam, school attended, and your marks or grades. This document is legally recognized and widely accepted for educational, employment, and official purposes.

The certification letter is secure and printed on official KNEC paper with a stamp and signature to validate its authenticity. Although it looks different from the original certificate, it performs the same function. Whether you’re seeking secondary school enrollment, applying for jobs, or handling immigration processes, this document ensures your academic credentials remain verifiable.

To obtain this letter, you must follow a formal process through the QMIS portal, including uploading identity documents, a police abstract, and fingerprint verification from the Registrar of Persons. Once your application is verified and the payment is made, KNEC will issue the letter, allowing you to proceed with your plans without delay.

Why You Need a Replacement for a Lost KCPE Certificate

The KCPE certificate is one of the most important academic documents for anyone who completed secondary education in Kenya. It’s required when applying to universities, seeking employment, or even migrating abroad. Without it, you may face delays or disqualification in many application processes.

What You Get Instead: The KNEC Certification Letter

KNEC does not reissue original KCPE certificates once they are lost. Instead, they provide a certification letter, which contains verified information from their records, including your index number, exam year, school name, and performance. This letter is accepted as valid proof of results for official and legal purposes.

Step-by-Step Process on How to Replace a Lost KCPE Certificate

To streamline the application, KNEC has introduced the Query Management Information System (QMIS), where you can apply for the certification letter online.

Step 1: Access the QMIS Portal

Go to the KNEC QMIS platform via this link: https://qmis.knec.ac.ke.

Step 2: Create an Account

Register using a valid email address. You’ll receive login credentials through the email you provide.

Step 3: Log In and Choose ‘Lost Certificate’ Service

Once logged in, select the “Lost Certificate” service. This applies to both KCSE and KCPE certificates.

Step 4: Enter Exam Details

Fill in:

  • Your index number
  • The exam type (KCPE in this case)
  • The year you sat for the exam

Click FIND to retrieve your result information.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

You must upload clear scanned copies of the following:

  • Copy of result slip (if available) or old certificate
  • Both sides of your National ID or birth certificate (if you don’t have an ID)
  • Passport-size photo
  • Police abstract confirming the certificate is lost
  • Confirmation documents from the Registrar of Persons, which include: A confirmation letter, Fingerprint verification page and The final page with your ID details.

You can obtain these documents from the NSSF Building, 7th Floor, Nairobi, or at sub-county Registrar of Persons offices across the country.

Step 6: Submit the Application

After filling in the required fields and uploading all documents, submit your application.

Step 7: Verification by KNEC

Your application will be reviewed by KNEC officers to verify the accuracy of the documents.

Step 8: Receive Payment Notification

After successful verification, you will get an email notification instructing you to log back into the portal and make payment.

Step 9: Pay the Service Fee

The cost of replacing a lost KCPE certificate via certification letter is Ksh 5,220. Follow the payment instructions provided on the QMIS platform.

Step 10: Track and Collect

Keep checking your QMIS account for updates. Once the certification letter is ready, you will be notified to collect it from KNEC headquarters or a designated office.

KNEC Contact Information
If you need assistance, reach out to KNEC using the following contacts:

  • 0720741004
  • 0732333566

Losing your KCPE certificate does not have to be the end of the road. With KNEC’s certification letter, you can still access all the opportunities that require proof of your primary education. The online QMIS portal makes the process convenient and accessible from anywhere.

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Just gather your documents, follow the steps outlined in this guide, and apply today. Don’t let a lost certificate hold you back – get your replacement certification letter now via https://qmis.knec.ac.ke.