The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has uncovered multiple cases of forged academic certificates used to secure employment and promotions in public institutions.
According to the commission, the findings on the officials are detailed in the EACC’s Second Quarterly Report covering April to June 2026.
In a gazette notice dated July 31, the anti-graft agency warned that the growing trend of certificate fraud is costing taxpayers millions of shillings while undermining integrity and merit in public service recruitment.
Several suspects are facing recommended criminal charges, including forgery, uttering false documents and fraudulent acquisition of public property, according to EACC.
KAA, IEBC and Auditor-General Staff Face Prosecution
Among the officials are those in the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office of the Auditor-General and the Laikipia County Assembly.
At the Kenya Airports Authority, the Fire Services Supervisor allegedly presented a forged Bachelor of Commerce degree certificate, which, according to the KAA supervisor, had been obtained from Mount Kenya University.
Investigators concluded that the fake qualification was used to secure employment and career advancement within the authority.
“Airports Authority submitted a forged Bachelor’s Degree of Commerce (Accounting) from Mount Kenya University to secure employment,” the EACC report outlined.
EACC has recommended prosecution on charges of forgery, uttering a false document, and providing false information, and subsequent dismissal of the officers from service.
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In addition, at the Office of the Auditor-General, investigations revealed that two employees serving as Senior Support Staff and Cleaning Supervisors secured employment using forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates.
According to the report, the officers earned approximately KSh 8.88 million and KSh 8.05 million, respectively, in salaries and benefits while serving in public office.
Regarding the Auditor-General Office workers, the commission recommended charges related to fraudulent acquisition of public property, forgery, and uttering false documents.
Further, the commission also uncovered fraud at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
An employee was found to have altered a KCSE certificate, changing a mean grade from D+ to C- to meet employment requirements.
The commission estimated that the officer received about KSh 11.24 million in public funds through salaries and benefits.
Prosecutors have been advised to pursue charges including forgery, fraudulent acquisition of public property and deceiving a principal.
EACC noted that the cases demonstrate how forged academic credentials continue to be exploited to gain unfair access to public employment opportunities.
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Laikipia Assembly and Public Institutions under EACC Investigations
EACC also launched investigations into the Speaker of the Laikipia County Assembly.
Investigators established that the Speaker allegedly presented forged KCSE certificates and a fake degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of The Gambia.
“The Commission received a report that the Speaker of Laikipia County had submitted a forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Certificate and a forged Degree Certificate from the University of The Gambia to secure employment,” part of the Gazette notice read.
In addition, the commission noted that the report further indicates that the Laikipia Assembly Speaker’s examination grades were altered to satisfy the qualifications required for public office.
Following the findings, the commission has advised prosecution based on forgery, uttering false documents, presentation of forged certificates, and providing false information to a public body.
On the other hand, officials from other public institutions, including the Kiambu County Assembly, have also registered several employees working as drivers, messengers, and clerk assistants who allegedly submitted forged KCSE certificates.
The officials facing the fake education certificate allegations are reported to have secured employment, earning millions of shillings from public funds.
Similar investigations by the commission were undertaken at the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency and the Kenya Medical Training College.
According to the quarterly report, EACC forwarded 43 investigation files to the Director of Public Prosecutions during the review period.
Among the 43 investigation cases, 38 were recommended for prosecution, while others were proposed for administrative action or closure depending on available evidence.
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