Kenyans working in Kuwait have been given until Thursday, August 27, 2026, to update their academic qualification records, in a directive that could affect employees across both public and private-sector institutions.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Information issued Administrative Circular No. 2026/25, directing employees to submit and update their academic credentials through the designated electronic system.
The requirement applies to Kuwaiti citizens as well as foreign workers, meaning Kenyan expatriates employed in Kuwait are also expected to comply where the directive applies to their employment records.
Workers who have qualifications obtained outside Kuwait may also be required to complete the appropriate certificate-equivalency process through Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher Education.
The exercise is part of Kuwait’s broader effort to strengthen the verification of academic and professional qualifications and prevent the use of forged or improperly accredited certificates.
A committee overseeing the verification process brings together officials from several government institutions, including the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice and the Civil Service Commission.
Employees who have not updated their records have therefore been advised to complete the process before the August 27 deadline to avoid possible administrative or legal action under applicable regulations.
The development is particularly important for Kenyan workers whose employment, professional registration or immigration status may depend on properly documented academic qualifications.
Kuwait has in recent years increased scrutiny of academic credentials as authorities seek to identify fraudulent certificates and ensure that qualifications used for employment are genuine and appropriately recognised.
The country has also introduced automated verification measures for academic qualifications submitted during work-permit procedures, increasing the checks faced by foreign workers seeking or maintaining employment.
The penalties for knowingly using forged academic or professional certificates can be serious. Under Article 259 of Kuwait’s Penal Code, a person found guilty of knowingly using a forged certificate can face imprisonment, a fine, or both, depending on the circumstances of the case.
For Kenyan expatriates, the immediate priority is to confirm whether their employer and employment category fall under the circular and, where required, submit the correct academic documents before the deadline.
Workers with foreign qualifications should also ensure that their certificates meet Kuwait’s equivalency and accreditation requirements rather than waiting until the final day.
The August 27 deadline consequently serves as an important reminder to Kenyan professionals in Kuwait to keep their employment and academic records accurate, complete and verifiable.