EACC intensifies crackdown on forged academic certificates

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested five officials as part of a crackdown on the use of fake academic certificates.

This move comes as a result of ongoing investigations into fraudulent practices within government institutions, where individuals have allegedly used falsified qualifications to secure jobs and promotions.

The arrests were made following thorough investigations and reports from the public and various state bodies, with suspects coming from organizations such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), and Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC).

Among those arrested is Priscah Osotsi, an Assistant Election Officer at IEBC, who is accused of forging a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology to support her promotion.

Another individual, Vincent Tom Kemoli, an Assistant at NSDCC, allegedly used a fake Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Nairobi to secure a job and received millions in salaries. 

Margaret Wanja Muthui, a former Deputy Director at KeRRA, is said to have presented forged academic documents to maintain her position and received over Sh 40.3 million in salaries.

Elijah Muthoga Kirethi, a former driver at KMTC, is facing charges for forging a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) to gain employment and lastly, Kelly Gichuri Muirur who i is alleged to have used a fake KCSE certificate to work as a driver at the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company and earned Sh 6.7 million in salaries.

The EACC, led by Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Abdi A. Mohamud, MBS, is dedicated to upholding the integrity of public service. 

In addition to pursuing criminal charges, the EACC will seek to recover the fraudulently obtained salaries, allowances, and benefits through civil proceedings. 

Mohamud emphasized the importance of public institutions strengthening their verification processes for academic credentials during recruitment and promotions.

This strong stance by the EACC serves as a warning to public officials and job seekers that only merit and genuine qualifications will be accepted for government positions.