ACCOUNTABILITY

Fake papers crisis eroding public trust

Restoring transparency, accountability and meritocracy is paramount for a fair and prosperous Kenya.

In Summary
  • Genuine talent and hard work are overshadowed, jeopardising essential service delivery.
  • Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) must act swiftly.

A shocking audit by the Public Service Commission has unearthed at least 2,000 public servants, including senior officials, holding fake academic credentials.

This exposes a deep-rooted issue that undermines meritocracy, fairness and public trust.

President William Ruto has asked those affected to resign and refund the money they have been paid over time. This is a welcome move.

These fraudulent certificates belie not just qualifications, but the very foundation of public service – trust. Genuine talent and hard work are overshadowed, jeopardising essential service delivery and the Kenyan society's well-being.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations must act swiftly. A thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned, is crucial to expose the culprits.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's recent suggestion to retain those implicated is unacceptable. Accountability and the rule of law must not be sacrificed for convenience.

Unqualified individuals in critical positions jeopardise public service effectiveness.

The EACC and DCI must expedite their work, bringing perpetrators to justice. Restoring transparency, accountability and meritocracy is paramount for a fair and prosperous Kenya.

Quote of the Day: “Soft power is power only when it rests on a foundation of hard power.”

Samuel P. Huntington

The American political scientist and academic was born on April 18, 1927


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