The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concern over the possible use of forged academic certificates by individuals seeking elective seats ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning institutions against facilitating academic fraud.
Speaking during a capacity-building forum for members of the Bungoma County Assembly Service Board and the Committee on Powers and Privileges in Kisumu, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the commission is intensifying efforts to crack down on fake academic qualifications used to secure public office.
Mohamud cautioned universities, colleges, examination bodies, and professional regulators against weak verification systems that could allow unqualified individuals to obtain certificates illegally for political gain.
EACC Warns Institutions Against Collusion
According to the commission, the period leading up to elections often witnesses increased attempts by aspirants to acquire forged academic papers in order to qualify for nominations and clearance by electoral bodies.
“To protect the credibility of the electoral process, institutions must strengthen internal verification systems and ensure that no certificates are issued fraudulently,” Mohamud said in remarks delivered on his behalf by Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi.
He stressed that academic institutions should not issue qualifications to individuals who never attended classes or failed to meet course requirements.
The anti-graft agency further warned that it would continue pursuing individuals who secured public positions using fake credentials, including recovering salaries and benefits obtained unlawfully.
County Assemblies Put on Notice
The EACC also challenged county assemblies to reinforce oversight and accountability within devolved governments, warning that conflict of interest remains a major driver of corruption at the county level.
Mohamud said investigations conducted by the commission had identified procurement and staff recruitment as the sectors most vulnerable to abuse, leading to irregular tender awards, ghost projects, and recruitment influenced by personal interests.
He accused some county assemblies of abandoning their constitutional oversight mandate by operating as extensions of governors’ offices instead of acting independently.
According to the EACC boss, some county executives allegedly channel tenders to companies linked to Members of County Assemblies in exchange for protection from accountability measures.
He also cited cases where MCAs reportedly demand payments in anticipation of tender awards while threatening impeachment motions against county officials.
Conflict of Interest Act Takes Centre Stage
The workshop focused on the implementation of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, which introduced tougher wealth declaration requirements for public officers.
Under the law, County Assembly Service Boards and Committees on Powers and Privileges have been designated as key enforcement bodies at the county level.
Mohamud urged county assemblies to uphold integrity, transparency, and independence in exercising oversight over governors and county executives.
“Conflict of interest continues to undermine good governance by influencing procurement decisions, appointments, and public decision-making for private gain,” he said.
Bungoma Assembly Welcomes Training
Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma described the workshop as timely, saying public demand for accountability and ethical leadership continues to grow.
He noted that county assemblies play a critical role in protecting public interest through legislation and oversight.
“The expectations placed upon public institutions continue to rise, with citizens demanding higher standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership,” Situma said.
