EACC puts universities on notice amid surge in fake certificates ahead of 2027 polls

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has challenged universities, colleges, examination bodies and regulators to tighten their academic qualification systems amid fears of a rise in forged certificates ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The commission warned institutions against colluding with individuals seeking to fraudulently acquire academic certificates to qualify for nomination to elective positions without undertaking the required courses or attaining the necessary qualifications.

Speaking during a capacity building workshop for the County Assembly of Bungoma held in Kisumu on Thursday, EACC CEO Abdi A. Mohamud, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi, said the problem often intensifies in periods leading up to general elections.

“Let me comment on an issue of great interest to the commission. This is the prevailing challenge of forgery of academic certificates, a problem that often intensifies in the periods leading up to general elections,” said Mohamud.

“During this time, individuals seeking elective positions without the requisite academic qualifications may seek shortcuts to qualify for nominations and clearance to contest elections.”

The EACC boss said universities and colleges must strengthen internal control systems to safeguard the integrity of academic qualifications and ensure that certificates are only issued to deserving candidates.

“Similarly, it is the duty of universities and colleges to maintain controls that ensure that no individual is, under any circumstances, issued a certificate for courses they did not undertake or without attaining the required qualifications,” he stated.

The anti-graft body further vowed to sustain its crackdown on academic fraud in collaboration with other agencies to ensure those found culpable in forgery of documents face the full force of the law.

“On our part, EACC will continue its ongoing crackdown on academic fraud in collaboration with other actors to ensure that only legitimately earned credentials are used for public office,” Mohamud stated.

The workshop, organised by the EACC for the Bungoma County Assembly, focused on the implementation of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, and brought together members of the County Assembly Service Board and the Committee on Powers and Privileges.

The commission underscored that the law introduces stricter measures in the fight against corruption, including strengthened wealth declaration requirements for public officers and enhanced oversight mechanisms.

Mohamud warned that conflict of interest remains one of the key drivers of corruption in county governments, particularly in procurement and staff recruitment.

“This results in procurement irregularities, appointments influenced by private interests, and decision-making skewed towards personal gain rather than public good,” he said.

The EACC also accused some county assemblies of compromising their oversight role by working closely with county executives in corrupt dealings.

“This has resulted in some County Executive Officials irregularly directing tender awards to proxy companies owned by or linked to Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), in exchange for cover against accountability,” Mohamud said.

“In such cases, the end result is loss of public funds through uncompetitive procurement, payments for substandard works, payments for ghost projects and compromised public services.”

Speaking at the same event, Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma said the workshop was timely as public expectations on accountability and ethical leadership continue to rise.

He noted that the Committee on Powers and Privileges and the County Assembly Service Board play a critical role in promoting integrity and accountability within county governments.

“The expectations placed upon public institutions continue to rise, with citizens demanding higher standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership,” the clerk said.

“As a County Assembly, we occupy a central position in the governance framework, not only as a legislative body but also as an institution entrusted with oversight and the protection of public interest.”

The commission urged MCAs to uphold integrity and independence in exercising oversight over governors and county executives to safeguard the gains made under devolution.