Moi University has responded to the alarming posts circulating on social media regarding alleged incidents of students purchasing fake grades.
In a press release issued by Moi University on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac S. Kosgey, has taken a firm stance in addressing these concerns.
The university stated that the claims are entirely “baseless and inaccurate”, urging students to utilize formal channels to obtain their marks.
“I would like to address the concerning posts circulating on social media regarding alleged students paying to have their marks altered by an individual claiming to be a Member of our Staff,” read the University statement in part.
“I want to make it unequivocally clear that the claims being spread on social media are entirely baseless and inaccurate,” he said.
Moi University Stand on Fake Grades
Prof. Kosgey stressed the importance of seeking guidance from department chairs and school deans, asserting the university’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
However, amidst this clarification, a separate controversy has emerged implicating Moi University in a degree forgery scandal involving a senior official at the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The Lari Constituency Fund Manager stands accused of presenting a fake Bachelor of Business Management degree purportedly from Moi University.
Both Moi University and the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board (KASNEB) have disowned her alleged qualifications as indicated in the letters written by the institutions.
Also Read: Daystar VC That Moi University Rejected Because of His Tribe
In the circulating letter, Moi University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor confirmed that the Fund Manager never graduated from the institution with a Bachelor of Business Management degree as claimed.
In the letter obtained by The Kenya Times, it was stated that the certificate presented lacked authenticity, as it was missing a serial number.
The post indicates that, despite these revelations, the NG-CDF Board has yet to take action against the office holder, who continues to hold position, entrusted with managing significant sums of taxpayer money.
War on Fake Certificates by EACC
Meanwhile, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is currently probing over 172 cases of alleged forgery of academic certificates, including senior officials serving in the public service.
This revelation comes amidst heightened concerns over the prevalence of fake academic qualifications in Kenya, particularly within county governments.
EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi has acknowledged the widespread nature of the issue, stating that the problem of fake certificates is rampant across the country, with a higher prevalence observed in the counties.
“The commission is actively investigating reports of falsification of academic qualifications, with the cases ranging from fake degrees to diplomas and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificates,” he said.
Of the 172 cases under investigation, 13 are of a criminal nature and are currently pending before the court.
Civil Servants Implicated in Fake Degrees Scandal
Ngumbi had earlier revealed that these cases involve individuals, including public officials, some of whom hold senior positions.
The probe by the EACC comes on the heels of revelations made by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in August, where rampant forgery of academic certificates by government employees was uncovered.
Also Read: ACCIDENT ALERT: Moi University Bus Crashes on Major Highway
PSC, the employer of civil servants, initiated investigations targeting all government workers hired within the last decade.
PSC Chairman Anthony Muchiri confirmed the discovery of numerous cases of fraudulent papers, stressing that there are verified instances of forged academic certificates being submitted for appointments, promotions, or re-designations in the public service.
“The gravity of the situation is further compounded by the revelation that the bogus academic papers are in possession of senior civil servants, including those holding managerial positions within ministries, departments, and agencies,” he stated.
