NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 13 – A startling revelation has emerged from the Public Service Commission (PSC), indicating that more than 2,000 public servants are in possession of forged academic and professional qualifications.
According to PSC Chairman Ambassador Anthony Muchiri, the most affected ministries include Interior and Energy, along with notable parastatals such as Kenyatta National Hospital and several public universities.
“We believe this number is not final as the authentication exercise is still ongoing and we expect to receive more cases of forgeries,” said Muchiri.
Muchiri emphasized the need for swift action, urging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to arrest and prosecute the culprits responsible for this fraudulent activity.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak asserted says the agency would be relentless in seeking to recover all salaries and benefits earned by officials who used fake academic qualifications to secure their positions.
The investigation, which was initiated in October 2022, targeted various ministries, state departments, and semi-autonomous government agencies. Out of the 2,067 forgery cases uncovered, a significant number of instances were traced back to key government institutions.
Among the affected entities highlighted by the PSC are the Ministry of Interior, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and the Geothermal Development Corporation under the Ministry of Energy.
The investigative process involved meticulous scrutiny of academic records spanning the past decade, as well as rigorous verification procedures conducted in collaboration with relevant examination bodies.
Notably, the report unveiled a range of forgery tactics, including the alteration of KCSE mean grades, counterfeit KCSE certificates, and falsified education credentials. Additionally, discrepancies such as mismatched certificate numbers and manipulated degree classifications were identified.
PSC has recommended that all cases be forwarded to the DCI for thorough prosecution, with a strong emphasis on the recovery of ill-gotten gains and assets obtained through fraudulent means. Furthermore, individuals implicated in these fraudulent activities are to be denied any form of benefits, including pensions, allowances, or leave.
The comprehensive report has been submitted to both the DCI and the EACC, signaling a crucial step towards upholding integrity and accountability within the public service sector.
