Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-14 18:10:54
The findings of a Public Service Commission (PSC) audit report on academic and professional certificates of all civil servants employed in the last 10 years have revealed a shocking number of cases involving the use of fake academic and professional papers to obtain jobs in government institutions. According to the report, the Ministry of Interior, Geothermal Development Company under the Ministry of Energy, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital were identified as having the highest number of employees with fake academic and professional papers. The Commission processed 29,214 audit cases and found that over 2,000 fake academic and professional certificates were used to secure appointments, promotions, and transfers in these state agencies.
The Chairperson of the PSC, Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri, highlighted the extent of the issue, stating that the number of cases involving fake certificates could increase as the ongoing audit expands to cover all government departments and state agencies. Additionally, the audit identified specific types of forgery prevalent in the public service, including the alteration of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) grades, presenting certificates that did not belong to the alleged holder, and the alteration of Bachelor’s degree certificates from second division (lower) to reflect second division (upper).
One of the major challenges faced by the commission is the practice of implicated officers resigning or applying for early retirement before disciplinary action can be taken against them. The audit encompassed all ministries, state departments, agencies, 239 state corporations and semi-autonomous government agencies, as well as 40 public universities and tertiary institutions. In response to the findings, the PSC handed over the report to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conduct investigations and take appropriate action against those found with fake academic and professional papers.
The leadership of the EACC, including Chair David Oginde, CEO Twalib Mbarak, and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, assured the public that decisive action would be taken on such cases. Mr. Mbarak emphasized the commitment to recovering all monies paid to individuals found with falsified academic papers and reiterated that appropriate action would be taken against the culprits, warning of the detrimental impact of using fake certificates on the country’s education system. Mr. Oginde echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the consequences for those found culpable, including the forfeiture of any earnings accrued during the period of service secured with fake certificates.
The report also highlighted specific state agencies where the prevalence of staff with fake academic papers was noted. In response to these findings, the authorities have emphasized the importance of addressing the issue to maintain the integrity of the civil service and the education system in Kenya. The public can expect that the EACC will conduct thorough investigations and take the necessary action to ensure accountability and deter the use of fake academic and professional papers in securing government positions.
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