- The DCI has arrested a college director, Philip Kipsoi Kiyeng, over allegations of issuing forged academic certificates.
- Investigators have established that the suspect misrepresented his college as affiliated with Moi University, leading a student to enrol and later lose employment when his diploma was declared fake.
- The ODPP has approved charges against Kiyeng, as the DCI has urged students to verify accreditation and report suspected certificate fraud to protect Kenya’s education system.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the director of a private college in Eldoret over allegations of issuing forged academic certificates. This scheme left one unsuspecting graduate unemployed after his credentials were declared fake.
The suspect, identified as Philip Kipsoi Kiyeng, Director of Region Group College, was apprehended following investigations triggered by a complaint from the Public Service Commission (PSC). The commission flagged the matter during routine authentication of academic and professional certificates.
Investigators established that Kiyeng allegedly misrepresented his institution as being affiliated with Moi University, convincing a student to enrol for a Diploma in Business Management. After completing the programme, the student was issued with a diploma believed to be genuine and later presented it to his employer.
ALSO READ:
MPs demand answers after 359 school fire and unrest cases reported nationwide
However, during a verification exercise conducted by the PSC, the document was confirmed to be forged, resulting in the victim losing his job. The DCI said detectives pursued the matter and forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges against the suspect.
Kiyeng is expected to face charges including making a false document contrary to Section 347(a) as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code, alongside other related offences. He was arrested in Eldoret Town and is currently being processed ahead of his arraignment in court.
ALSO READ: UASU threatens nationwide lecturers’ strike over CBA arrears
The DCI has urged prospective students to conduct due diligence by verifying the legitimacy of colleges and universities before enrolling in any programme.
The investigative agency also called on members of the public to report suspected cases of academic certificate fraud to the nearest police station or through DCI reporting channels.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
