Public Service Commission Chairperson, Anthony Muchiri on Tuesday raised concerns over civil servants with forged certificates who he pointed out have been resigning to evade arrest.
While addressing the press during the handing over of the report on the authentication of academic and professional certificates to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Muchiri disclosed that some employees even requested early retirements.
Muchiri stated that besides the abrupt resignations and early retirements, the Commission has also faced other challenges including delays in authentication feedback by learning institutions and difficulty in reaching out to foreign institutions.
"Such persons shall not be entitled to any form of benefit, including pension, unpaid allowances, and accrued leave," Muchiri noted.
While urging the DCI and EACC to take action, the PSC Chairperson urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that were yet to share their authentication reports to PSC to do so promptly.
According to the Muchiri, the government ministries with most forged certificates included; the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Energy.
Meanwhile government institutions with the most forged certificates included; Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Commenting on the matter, EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak faulted the courts for taking too long to deliver judgements on cases that involved government employees with forged certificates.
For instance, he stated, the commission could arrest a suspect within one day but upon arraigning the suspect, the courts can take even up to three years to finalise the matter.
Mbarak also called for amendment of laws involving the prosecution of people with forged certificates as the surest way to rein in on the vice and prosecute fraudsters.
"We need laws to be amended, for instance when PSC is given powers, it can take perpetrators to court and a ruling or judgement is given immediately," Mbarak noted.
"We need a proper way of ensuring deterrence and prevention of those who might think of committing the offence," he added.
While weighing in on the matter, DCI boss Mohamed Amin noted DCI detectives had already been deployed to investigate and arrest suspects involved in the forgery of certificates.
