The function of CENPK (centromere protein K, ENSG00000123219) is as follows. Component of the CENPA-CAD (nucleosome distal) complex, a complex recruited to centromeres which is involved in assembly of kinetochore proteins, mitotic progression and chromosome segregation. May be involved in incorporation of newly synthesized CENPA into centromeres via its interaction with the CENPA-NAC complex. Acts in coordination with KNL1 to recruit the NDC80 complex to the outer kinetochore. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:16622420, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16716197, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18045986}.