The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have exposed a fake papers scheme involving two foreigners, an American and a Pakistani.
The Directorate has explained that the foreigners were allegedly issuing fake master’s and PhD degrees at the White Sands Hotel in Mombasa County.
Further, the police explained that after conducting training for only three days, the foreigners were giving the students Masters and PhD degrees.
Moreover, the statement noted that the two were working with two Kenyans, who were also arrested by the officers.
“The four were found issuing Masters and PhD degrees to excited participants who had received training for only three days. The award ceremony for the degrees was effectively halted when the gumshoes barged in and whisked the offenders away,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: 19 Government Officials Resign Over Fake Certificates Scandal
Degrees that Were Being Issued by the Foreigners
Among the fake degrees issued were three Master of Business Administration (Leadership and Management) degrees and two PhDs in Leadership.
The suspects have been arraigned before Shanzu Law Courts where they were charged with conferring degrees without accreditation of foreign universities contrary to Section 28(2) as read with Section 5 of the Universities Act.
Moreover, the accused persons entered a plea of not guilty where they were given a bond of Ksh400,000 with similar surety and must be done on oath before the duty court or a cash bail of Ksh300,000.
The passports of the two foreigners were also deposited in court with the mention set for Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The DCI warns that no effort will be spared in apprehending suspects who fraudulently issue certifications to individuals who fail to break a sweat.
Also Read: Police Arrest Couple Issuing Fake Certificates at Ksh 3K
Govt Crackdown on Fake Certificates
In January 2024, the Public Service Commission (PSC) released a report revealing that nearly 20,000 employees on the government payroll were ghost workers, while approximately 2,000 civil servants had secured jobs using fake academic credentials.
PSC Chairperson Anthony Muchiri stated that an authentication exercise conducted by the Commission uncovered that over 2,000 public officers had obtained employment, promotions, and re-designations using forged documents.
As a result, a nationwide crackdown was launched in collaboration with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to root out such fraudulent officials.
“Reports received by the Commission indicate a significant number of cases where forged academic and professional certificates were used to secure appointments, promotions, or re-designations in the public service,” Muchiri noted.
He further emphasized that the EACC, working alongside the DCI and PSC, is committed to eliminating fake certificates from the public service sector, which has undermined its credibility and effectiveness.
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