The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified efforts to tighten verification of academic and professional certificates ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as concerns over forged qualifications in public service continue to rise.
The Commission has urged universities, colleges, examination bodies and sector regulators to strengthen examination and qualification verification systems in order to curb cases of certificate forgery and ensure only genuinely earned academic credentials are used for recruitment and public office eligibility.
Speaking during a Bungoma County Assembly workshop in Kisumu, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud, through Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi, emphasized the need for strict due diligence in vetting academic papers, warning that weak verification systems continue to expose public institutions to fraud.
The Commission further reaffirmed its commitment to fighting academic fraud, noting that it will pursue recovery of salaries, allowances and other benefits obtained through forged certificates, in line with its broader anti-corruption enforcement mandate.
Arrest of Former OAG Staffer in Fake Certificate Crackdown
The EACC also arrested a former employee of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) in connection with an ongoing crackdown on the use of fake academic certificates in public service recruitment.
The suspect is accused of using a forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate, allegedly obtained from Umina Secondary School, to secure employment at the Office of the Auditor General.
Investigations by the Commission established that she allegedly used the falsified documents during her application process and was subsequently employed, earning salaries and benefits amounting to KSh 5,838,790 over the period of her service.
Following conclusion of investigations, the EACC forwarded the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved charges including forgery, uttering a false document, and fraudulent acquisition of public property.
The suspect has since been released on a KSh 50,000 cash bail pending arraignment in court, as legal proceedings are set to continue.
The Commission also confirmed that it will initiate civil proceedings to recover all salaries and benefits earned on the basis of the alleged fake academic qualifications, reinforcing its position that no proceeds of corruption will be retained.
