The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called for stricter verification of academic certificates by universities, examination bodies and professional regulators in a renewed effort to combat forgery and safeguard integrity in public service ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking during a workshop for members of the Bungoma County Assembly in Kisumu, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud, represented by Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi, emphasized the importance of strengthening qualification verification systems to prevent individuals with fake academic credentials from accessing public office.
The Commission said institutions responsible for issuing and validating academic qualifications must enhance due diligence measures to ensure that only legitimately earned certificates are recognized during recruitment and nomination processes.
EACC warned that certificate forgery continues to undermine integrity in public institutions and poses a threat to fair competition for employment and leadership positions.
The anti-graft agency also reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing individuals found to have used forged academic documents to secure jobs, noting that it would continue seeking recovery of salaries, allowances and other benefits fraudulently acquired through fake qualifications.
The Commission further urged public institutions and employers to collaborate closely with examination bodies and regulatory agencies to improve the credibility and transparency of academic verification processes.
The remarks come amid increased scrutiny over the authenticity of academic credentials held by some public officials and political aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
