The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has commenced investigations to expose civil servants holding fake academic certificates.
On Monday, the agency noted that processes to claim millions of Shillings acquired through salaries by Kenyans holding public office with forged certificates had already started, and are set to continue.
EACC Chairperson Bishop David Oginde speaking in Kisumu after a meeting with Governor Anyang' Nyong'o noted that the Public Service Commission report exposing employees hired with forged academic certificates was a cause for alarm, and calls for action.
Oginde further added that salaries paid to culpable employees within the period in office will be refunded back to the government.
“When the long arm of the law finally catches up with you, we shall recover all the money you got through that process,” he stated.
The commission is also going after assets acquired during office tenure by those found guilty, to recover taxpayers’ money.
EACC further highlighted the need to crack down on illegal certificates, which pose a threat to Kenya's credibility, especially at a time when President William Ruto is sourcing employment opportunities for Kenyans overseas.
“Some countries are already beginning to blacklist our degrees and this would not be good for the young people of this country,” Oginde added.
The crackdown process on fake certifications started in 2023, after the government targeted 150 state employees, with court orders directing recovery of all the salaries and benefits earned based on the forged academic certificates.
A report by PSC revealed that over 500 government employees acquired jobs with forged certificates ranging from KCSE to Degree certifications.
The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration had the highest number of quacks with 107 cases, with 78 using fake KCSE certificates, 25 with fake diplomas and 4 with forged degree certificates.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura commenting on the recent negative reports on PSC employees, faulted the poor recruitment process employed in the hiring processes.
“Staff shortage especially technical ones across government was also found to be another gap as there are more support staff than technical due to hiring of staff in disregard of the staff establishments,” Mwaura stated.
