The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a firm warning to Kenyan employees and job seekers, signaling the start of a nationwide crackdown on individuals who secured employment using forged academic documents.
Speaking during a press briefing on May 8, 2025, EACC Chairman Bishop David Oginde declared that any Kenyan found to have used fake certificates to gain employment will be dismissed immediately. Furthermore, these individuals will be required to refund all salaries and benefits received during their time in public service or employment.
According to Oginde, the commission has already begun taking action, with several individuals having lost their jobs after investigations revealed discrepancies in their academic records. He noted that legal steps are being taken to recover money from those already dismissed, as part of the commission’s broader effort to uphold integrity in both public and private sectors.
“This is not just about losing a job,” Oginde emphasized. “We are committed to ensuring that anyone who benefitted fraudulently from forged credentials pays back every cent earned through dishonest means.”
The EACC has urged all Kenyan citizens, particularly those seeking government or corporate jobs, to present only genuine and verifiable documents during recruitment processes. The agency is working with various institutions to streamline verification procedures and detect fraudulent credentials early in the hiring process.
This announcement comes amid growing concern over the integrity of Kenya’s employment systems, with reports showing a worrying trend of individuals forging certificates to secure jobs or promotions. The commission believes this trend undermines the principles of merit, professionalism, and equal opportunity.
As the crackdown intensifies, the EACC is calling on employers and human resource departments to conduct thorough audits of employee documents to ensure compliance and transparency.
What’s your take on EACC’s directive? Should salary refunds be enforced? Join the discussion in the comments and share this article to raise awareness on the importance of academic integrity.
