Migori County Government employees accused of possessing fake academic certificates have resigned from their respective positions. This follows an extensive audit and verification process aimed at ensuring the authenticity of academic qualifications among county staff.
Dr. Oscar Olima, the County Secretary, confirmed receiving the resignation letters from these employees. He mentioned that these individuals chose to leave their positions voluntarily rather than face disciplinary action from the county administration and other relevant bodies.
In addition to those who resigned, 25 other employees with questionable primary and secondary certificates have written to the county public service board, seeking an opportunity to present their side of the story. The board has granted them a chance to defend themselves before taking further action.
Dr. Olima emphasized that the ongoing scrutiny is not a witch hunt but a necessary measure informed by the audit report compiled by the Human Resource Audit Institute in 2023 and a subsequent staff headcount report by the county government. These reports were part of an initiative to enhance accountability within the county workforce.
The verification process, conducted by the Kenya National Examination Council, involved a thorough review of academic papers for over 2,700 county employees. As a result, those found with fake primary and secondary school certificates have been removed from the payroll.
This issue of fraudulent academic certificates is not unique to Migori County. Other counties have also faced similar challenges. For instance, in Machakos County, 121 out of 5,018 workers were found with fake certificates, as confirmed by County Secretary Dr. Muya Ndambuki. Similarly, last month, Nyamira County Governor Amos Nyaribo expunged 79 employees with forged academic and professional certificates from the payroll.
The crackdown on fake academic certificates highlights the ongoing efforts by county governments to promote integrity and accountability within the public service. It also serves as a stern warning to individuals seeking to gain employment through dishonest means.
As the verification process continues, it is expected that more counties will undertake similar audits to ensure that all employees possess genuine academic qualifications. This move is essential for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of public service delivery across the country.
