The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission ( EACC) has called for the suspension of senior Ministry of Roads official for alleged academic certificate forgery.
The implicated individual, Kenneth Kamumbu Mugo, is accused of fabricating a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, purportedly issued by the University of Nairobi in 2006, to secure employment.
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi disclosed the details on Friday, asserting that Mugo utilized the fraudulent degree to attain positions as the Director of Roads and Transport at the Kiambu County government and subsequently as Superintendent Engineer of Roads in the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
Ngumbi also revealed how Mugo, as a result, enrolled in a Post-Graduate Certificate, a Master’s degree, and a Doctorate, all from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
“It was established that using the fake degree in Civil Engineering, ‘Eng.’ Kenneth Mugo enrolled for a Post-Graduate Certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Audit awarded by JKUAT in 2009, a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Legislation and Management awarded in 2012 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Environmental Technology, all at JKUAT,” stated Mr. Ngumbi.
The commission is calling for Mugo’s suspension by the ministry pending the hearing and determination of the case, currently in court.
EACC has been investigating the case since 2017, leading to the suspect’s arrest and subsequent charges last month under Section 62(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
He was released on Ksh.500,000 cash bail and required to surrender his passport after pleading not guilty to the charges.
“He was arraigned before Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ouko of the Kiambu Anti-Corruption Court. The matter is coming up for pre-trial on 15th January 2024,” EACC stated.
The anti-graft agency highlighted that JKUAT withdrew the Master and Postgraduate Certificates awarded to Mugo and discontinued his PhD studies following his arraignment.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has charged Mugo with offenses of forgery, uttering a false document, and fraudulent acquisition of public property. The case is scheduled for mention on Monday, January 15, 2023.
Mugo’s case emerges amid growing concerns raised by the commission over the prevalence of fake academic certificates.
Currently, EACC is investigating 153 related cases, emphasizing the need for academic institutions and employers to exercise vigilance in verifying students’ documents and recruiting staff.
