- Public service institutions are entrusted with the solemn duty of upholding the rule of law, delivering essential services, and fostering the public good.
- When individuals with fake or forged credentials occupy pivotal roles within these institutions, it undermines public confidence.
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Imagine taking your sick relative to a surgeon who’s only proven successful surgical procedure is slicing an already dead chicken into edible pieces?
That is the scary reality this week’s revelation that thousands of holders of our public offices, some very close to retirement, faked academic papers to get their jobs.
The Government, the only employer of public and civil servants, says it is certain it has 2,000 people it hired based on fake academic and professional papers. That means at least 2,000 fake medics, fake engineers, fake drivers, fake accountants, fake tax collectors have been and are serving Kenyans in specialist areas!
Public Service Commission chairman Ambassador Anthony Muchiri says the most affected ministries are Interior and Energy, the ministries responsible for the country’s internal security and electricity and fuel, respectively. And you wonder why we have a rogue police force and prices of power and fuel keep sky rocketing every day.
You don’t expect people who stole certificates not to steal your money.
At the same level with Interior and Energy ministries, the head of the country’s staff hiring cites parastatals such as Kenyatta National Hospital and several public universities. It is not difficult to guess why we are losing so many lives at the country’s biggest hospital. What is ironic is how the institutions that give the certificates cannot detect fake ones, leave alone the assumption that they have the highest concentration of the best brains in the country.
What is worrying is the fact that Mr Muchiri says the number is just the tip of the icebag and we should expect more in the coming days.
What a country!
In the realm of public service, integrity stands as the cornerstone of trust and efficacy. It is the bedrock upon which the foundation of a nation's governance is laid.
However, the recent revelations by the Public Service Commission of all institutions, expose a disconcerting reality — individuals with counterfeit academic and professional certificates are infiltrating our esteemed institutions.
The revelation is but a glimpse into a pervasive issue that threatens the very fabric of our society.
As a nation, we cannot afford to tolerate such malpractices. The imperative to weed out these impostors from our public service ranks is not merely a matter of administrative rectitude, it is a fundamental necessity to safeguard the welfare and interests of our citizens.
The ramifications of having individuals with fraudulent credentials occupying positions of public trust are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, the credibility of our institutions is severely compromised.
Public service institutions are entrusted with the solemn duty of upholding the rule of law, delivering essential services, and fostering the public good. When individuals with fake or forged credentials occupy pivotal roles within these institutions, it undermines public confidence and erodes the legitimacy of governmental actions.
Citizens rightfully expect transparency, accountability, and competence from their public servants. Any deviation from these principles tarnishes the reputation of the entire system.
Moreover, the presence of impostors within the public service poses a significant risk to public safety and welfare. Many professions within the public sector — such as healthcare, law enforcement, and engineering—require specialised knowledge and expertise.
Entrusting these responsibilities to individuals with counterfeit qualifications jeopardises the well-being of citizens. Whether it be a doctor administering medical treatment without proper training or an engineer overseeing critical infrastructure projects without the requisite skills, the consequences of such negligence can be catastrophic. We cannot afford to compromise the safety and security of our society for the sake of expediency or oversight.
Furthermore, the proliferation of fake credentials perpetuates inequality and undermines meritocracy. In a fair and just society, individuals should be rewarded based on their competence, diligence, and qualifications.
By allowing impostors to ascend the ranks of public service through deceit, we undermine the efforts of genuine professionals who have worked tirelessly to acquire legitimate credentials. This not only breeds resentment among qualified individuals but also perpetuates a culture of mediocrity and favouritism.
Meritocracy is the bedrock of social mobility and equal opportunity. Any erosion of this principle undermines the very essence of a democratic society.
Addressing this pervasive issue requires a multifaceted approach.
Firstly, robust verification mechanisms must be implemented to authenticate the credentials of all public servants. This includes stringent background checks, verification with issuing institutions, and periodic audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
Additionally, there must be severe penalties for individuals found guilty of submitting fraudulent credentials. This serves as both a deterrent to potential impostors and a reaffirmation of the seriousness with which we regard the integrity of our public service.
Moreover, there needs to be a concerted effort to promote a culture of transparency and accountability within our public institutions. Whistle-blower protections should be strengthened to encourage individuals to come forward with information regarding fraudulent activities.
Additionally, there must be greater public awareness and education regarding the risks associated with fake credentials and the importance of upholding integrity within the public service.
The revelation that so many individuals with fake or forged academic and professional certificates are infiltrating our public service is not merely a cause for concern, it is a call to action.
As a nation, we must stand firm in our resolve to weed out these impostors and uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and meritocracy. Our citizens deserve nothing less than a public service that is dedicated to serving the common good with honesty and competence. It is only through collective vigilance and unwavering commitment that we can ensure the continued prosperity and well-being of our society.
The writer is a political commentator