The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a government official who faked his academic certificate to get a government job.
In a statement, EACC said the suspect Javason Kimemia Maina, an employee of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), forged academic certificates to secure a job at the agency.
“Investigations established that the suspect forged a KCSE certificate from Kimuri Secondary School. Maina was arraigned before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court after the Director of Public Prosecutions concurred with recommendations of the Commission to charge him with fraudulent acquisition of public property being Kes. 293,240.94 salary paid to him by REREC, forgery and uttering a false document,” EACC stated.
The suspect was released on a bond of Ksh 700,00 surety of the same amount or a cash bail of Kenya shillings Ksh 400,000.
The matter will be mentioned on February 26, 2024, for a pre-trial conference.
Meanwhile, the Commission is analyzing the PSC Report on Authentication of Academic and Professional Certificates to inform relevant enforcement action against the 2000 public officials who forged their academic certificates to secure employment.
“The commission will also investigate allegations it has received to the effect that some public entities didn’t forward to the Public Service Commission all the names of their officers with forged certificates. Action will be taken against any culpable head of a state agency involved in attempts to protect academic cheats,” EACC added.
Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson Anthony Muchiri on Monday disclosed that over 2,000 public officers secured jobs, promotions, and re-designations using fake academic papers.
At least 331 institutions were targeted in the probe, of which 52 were ministries, State Departments, and Agencies.
Also Read: EACC Launches Manhunt Against Former Jubilee MP Over Sh 51 Million Tender Fraud
