Public Officer Charged Over Fake Academic Certificates as PSC Reveals Over 2,000 Forgery Cases
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested an employee of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) on Tuesday, suspecting him of forging an academic certificate to secure his position at the agency. According to EACC, their investigations uncovered that Javason Kimemia Maina had allegedly forged a KCSE certificate from Kimuri Secondary School, which facilitated his employment.
Following their investigations, EACC submitted their recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), suggesting that Maina be charged with fraudulently obtaining public property valued at Ksh. 293,240 in salaries, as well as forgery and uttering a false document. Upon review, the DPP authorized the charges, leading to Maina’s arraignment before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
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According to EACC, Maina was released on a bond of Ksh. 700,000 with a surety of the same amount, or a cash bail of Ksh. 400,000. The court scheduled the next hearing for February 26, 2024.
These events occur against the backdrop of an intensified crackdown on public servants who secured their positions through fraudulent means. On February 13, the Public Service Commission (PSC) released a report identifying 2,067 cases of forgery within public institutions.
The implicated individuals are primarily associated with the Ministry of Interior, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and the Geothermal and Development Corporation, a parastatal under the Ministry of Energy.
The report has been forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for further investigation and action. EACC has asserted that they will take action against any responsible head of a state agency found attempting to shield academic cheats.
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According to an audit by the Public Service Commission (PSC), more than 700 individuals with fake academic credentials are currently employed in various Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and State Corporations (MDAs) without facing repercussions.
Despite being flagged for forging their academic qualifications for employment, a large portion of these employees continues to evade punishment. Of the 787 individuals whose academic credentials were confirmed as fraudulent, only 63 have been dismissed, while 23 opted to resign.
Legal action has been taken against only one individual, leaving approximately 724 employees with fake certificates still receiving salaries, thus unlawfully depleting public funds.
Addressing the issue, PSC Chairperson Anthony Mwaniki expressed concern over the lack of action taken by some institutions against the flagged cases. Mwaniki stated that while most MDAs have initiated disciplinary measures, there has been noticeable inaction by certain institutions without valid justification.
The report released by the PSC, titled “Report on the Authentication Exercise of Academic and Professional Certificates in the Public Service,” reveals that out of 53,599 cases referred to the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) for authentication, 1,280 were found to be forged. This indicates a significant prevalence of fake KCPE or KCSE certificates.
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PSC has urged for legal action against individuals possessing counterfeit credentials, emphasizing the illegality of allowing offenders to resign or retire prematurely. According to PSC, such actions contravene relevant laws and regulations.
The Ministry of Interior topped the list of institutions with the highest number of employees holding fake credentials, followed by Kenya Railways Service and the Geothermal Development Corporation. Concerns arise regarding the integrity and security within these vital departments.
Despite institutions like the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council taking decisive action against staff with fake certificates, the fate of several employees found with counterfeit credentials remains undisclosed.
Furthermore, cases of forged certificates have been identified even in higher learning institutions tasked with verifying documents. For example, at Kibabii University and Rongo University, several instances of counterfeit certificates were discovered among staff.
The PSC report underscores the widespread misuse of forged academic and professional certificates for appointments, promotions, or re-designations within the public service.
Public Officer Charged Over Fake Academic Certificates as PSC Reveals Over 2,000 Forgery Cases