Universities and Colleges Failure to Upload Graduate Information to National Database Blamed for Fake Degrees Problem
The fight against fraudulent academic papers in Kenya is encountering a significant challenge: the failure of universities and colleges to upload graduate information to the national database. This failure makes it difficult for employers to verify the credentials of job applicants, hindering efforts to curb the use of fraudulent certificates.
The national database, established in 2016, was designed to empower employers to easily confirm the legitimacy of job applicants’ degrees. Despite regulations mandating institutions to upload the data within 90 days of graduation, only 32 institutions, including colleges and technical schools, have complied.
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According to the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) Director General Alice Kande, only 10 out of the 39 registered public universities have uploaded the necessary data. Kande attributed the slow adoption to the volume of historical data some universities possess, causing logistical challenges. However, she emphasized that it is the responsibility of these institutions to ensure the integrity of their qualifications.
Kande expressed concern about individuals using fake and fraudulent certificates to secure opportunities, stating, “It is very painful to see people who have not gone through the right process are the ones getting opportunities using fake and fraudulent certificates.”
The lack of complete data creates challenges for employers in verifying the authenticity of presented certificates, undermining fair hiring practices and raising concerns about the credibility of Kenyan universities globally.
Dr. Kande acknowledged the challenges but remains optimistic, stating that the uploading of data is an ongoing process, and they are conducting sensitization to ensure all stakeholders understand their roles.
She highlighted that not all institutions have provided the necessary data, and KNQA, established in 2014 and fully operational since the 2016/2017 fiscal year, is still working on getting all stakeholders to understand their role.
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The consequences of the incomplete database are significant, as employers struggle to verify the legitimacy of academic credentials presented by job applicants. This situation creates opportunities for individuals with fake degrees to gain employment, potentially jeopardizing professional standards and undermining the value of genuine qualifications.
Kande revealed that, despite KNQA’s role in flagging suspicious qualifications, the responsibility falls on employers to take action and report fraud. This revelation follows the recent flagging by the Public Service Commission of over 2,000 civil servants with fake academic qualifications.
In response to these challenges, universities are urged to fulfill their obligation to fill the database. This action would empower employers to make informed decisions when hiring, thereby safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s academic landscape.
Among the institutions that have complied and uploaded their data on the KNQA database are Nyeri National Polytechnic, Meru National Polytechnic, Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Kisii National Polytechnic, Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Eldoret National Polytechnic, Kisumu National Polytechnic, and Kitale National Polytechnic.
On the other hand, two universities, Mount Kenya University and Meru University of Science and Technology, have successfully navigated the rigorous qualification process.
Other verified institutions include the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital College of Health Science, Kenya Medical Training College, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya School of Government, Bandari Maritime Academy, Kenya Institute of Supplies Examination Board, Human Resource Management Professional Examination Board, Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board (KASNEB), Kenya School of Revenue Administration, TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council, and the National Industrial Training Authority.
Universities and Colleges Failure to Upload Graduate Information to National Database Blamed for Fake Degrees Problem
