Four individuals, including two foreigners, have been charged in a Mombasa court for allegedly issuing fake Master’s and PhD degrees after just three days of training. The suspects, arrested at a beach hotel in Mombasa, were reportedly operating under the name of a bogus university.
According to a statement by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Amin Mohamed, the accused were caught conferring degrees without accreditation, violating the Universities Act. They were arraigned before Shanzu Law Courts, where they entered a plea of not guilty. The court granted them a bond of Ksh400,000 with a similar surety or a cash bail of Ksh300,000. Additionally, the passports of the two foreign nationals—an American and a Pakistani were deposited in court ahead of the case mention on February 18, 2025.
The fraudulent degrees issued included three Master of Business Administration (Leadership and Management) certificates and two PhDs in Leadership (Honoris Causa). Detectives from Bamburi Police Station acted on a tip-off and apprehended the group, putting an end to their illegal operation.
This case comes amid a broader crackdown on fake academic credentials in Kenya. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been investigating the widespread use of fraudulent certificates, particularly in public service. Outgoing EACC chairperson Talib Mbarak revealed in January that government institutions, including schools, parastatals, county governments, and even the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), have been infiltrated by individuals using fake degrees.
A recent EACC report covering April to June 2024 showed a rise in cases of fake academic documents used to secure jobs and promotions. Under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA), individuals found guilty of using fraudulent certificates face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or both. The law also allows for the recovery of salaries and benefits obtained through the use of fake credentials.
Authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to root out academic fraud. DCI chief Amin Mohamed emphasized that no effort will be spared in apprehending those involved in issuing or using fake degrees. With cases of academic fraud on the rise, law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies continue to tighten controls to safeguard the integrity of education in Kenya.
The arrest and prosecution of the four suspects in Mombasa serve as a stark warning to those engaging in similar illegal activities. As the crackdown intensifies, more individuals could soon face justice for undermining Kenya’s education system with fraudulent credentials.
