PSC Explains Why More Kenyans Are Faking Academic Papers

Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Francis Meja has highlighted growing concerns over fake academic papers in Kenya’s public sector, linking the issue to widespread unemployment and the country’s deep-rooted dependence on academic qualifications. Speaking on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, during an interview with a local media house, Meja explained that the pressure to secure scarce job opportunities has driven many Kenyans to cut corners.

“There has been an over-reliance on academic certificates to procure job positions, because there is serious unemployment in this country; people are tempted to use shortcuts to obtain or to get access to jobs,” he said.

How Big Is Kenya’s Fake Papers Problem?

Kenya’s public service is facing a wave of academic fraud, with reports revealing that some individuals have used forged certificates to secure or retain government positions. This growing problem raises serious doubts about the quality of service delivery and public accountability. According to data from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the agency has handled 549 cases of forged academic and professional certificates since 2022.

Out of these, 134 investigation files have been completed, 85 sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and 33 remain pending in court. So far, 20 cases have been concluded, resulting in 13 convictions and seven acquittals. Beyond the criminal prosecutions, the EACC has also prioritized recovering the salaries and benefits obtained through fraud.

“For the few cases that we have investigated, the amount of money we are looking to recover exceeds Sh460 million, salaries that were earned illegally by people who used fake certificates to acquire employment,” said EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud.

What Do Government Findings Reveal?

The issue goes beyond individual dishonesty. It exposes systemic weaknesses in the country’s hiring and verification processes. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei referenced findings from the Report on the Validation of Academic and Professional Certificates in Government, released by the PSC in February 2024. The report showed that out of 53,000 certificates submitted for verification from 91 public institutions, 1,280 were confirmed as fake.

These revelations have intensified the call for stricter vetting, better data sharing between educational institutions and employers, and stronger penalties for offenders. The government hopes these measures will help restore trust in Kenya’s public service and discourage the culture of shortcuts driven by desperation and job scarcity.

As unemployment continues to pressure job seekers, leaders like Meja are urging both the public and private sectors to rethink the overemphasis on paper qualifications and instead focus on competence, integrity, and skills as the foundation of employment.

By Lucky Anyanje