The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested five civil servants for academic certificate falsification in a crackdown exercise to nub the rampant fake documents in the public service.
According to EACC, the five suspects secured employment and promotions worth tens of millions by presenting forged university degrees and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates. The arrests follow thorough investigations triggered by reports from the public and concerned institutions.
One of the accused, Priscah Osotsi from Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) allegedly falsified a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, another suspect Kelly Gichuri Muiruri is alleged to have received KShs. 6,742,673 in salaries while working at Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) using forged qualifications.
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The investigations by EACC also revealed that Vincent Tom Kemoli an assistant at the former National AIDS Control Council, Margaret Wanja Muthoni, a former Deputy of Supply Chain management at Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and Elijah Muthoga Kirethi a former driver at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) were among those implicated in the scandal.
In a letter signed by EACC CEO Abdi A. Mohamud, dated June 11, 2025, the commission stressed its commitment to uprooting corruption in employment practices emphasizing the urgent need for strict academic vetting.
“The commission reiterates its firm commitment to protecting the integrity of public service by ensuring that employment and promotion are based on merit and genuine qualifications. The Commission urges all public institutions to enhance verification and vetting procedures for academic credentials during recruitment and promotion process,” reads part of the letter.
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The suspects shall appear in court after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved their charges, “Upon conclusion of investigations, the EACC submitted case files to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), who approved charges against the suspects,” the letter reads.
The scandal has ignited debate within the education sector as analysts warn that such cases not only cast doubt in Kenya’s education sector but also, greatly undermine the value of genuine academic qualification thus disadvantaging deserving candidates.
This comes at a time when education stakeholders have been advocating for strict verification of academic credentials, especially in the recruitment process.
By Masaki Enock
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