Nyamira County gov’t suspends 79 employees in ongoing audit of academic certificates

The Nyamira County government has suspended 79 employees, who face allegations of using fake academic credentials to gain employment.

The Governor Amos Nyaribo-led administration has also stopped salaries for the said persons.

Governor Nyaribo said the 79 were found to be in possession of forged documents after the county submitted credentials of 2,821 employees for verification by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and tertiary institutions.

“The report from KNEC indicates alteration of mean grades, subject scores, exam centre codes, and in some cases the index numbers in the certificates do not belong to the officers, while others replaced names on other people's certificates,” said Nyaribo.

“The affected departments include Health with 24 cases, Finance and Public Service which have 13 cases each, Governor's office and Lands with 9 cases each, Education and Environment with 3 cases each, Gender, Trade and Public Service Board with one case each.”

Governor Nyaribo said his government has stopped the individuals' salaries with immediate effect, with disciplinary and administrative action set to follow.

The cases will also be submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for investigation and appropriate legal action.

The county will submit credentials for the next batch of employees in a week, with the Governor saying action will be taken, against individuals who gained irregular promotions.