Kenya's Deputy Speaker Proposes Amnesty for Public Officials with Fake Degrees

Gladys Boss, the Deputy Speaker of Kenya's National Assembly, has suggested that the government should provide leniency to public officials who hold fake academic certificates, allowing them to resign without facing legal consequences. Boss made the proposal as government agencies, including the Public Service Commission, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations, continue their efforts to identify and remove civil servants with fraudulent credentials.

Boss argued that offering amnesty would be the best approach to "tidy up the system neatly" by giving those with fake degrees a chance to voluntarily resign. "The fight against fake academic papers in the public service will be best dealt with if the government allows public officials without authentic credentials to resign without fear of legal action," she stated. However, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged that using fake academic papers is a criminal offense and should be treated as such.

Why this matters: The issue of public officials holding fake degrees undermines public trust in government institutions and raises questions about the integrity and competence of those in positions of power. Addressing this problem is vital for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of Kenya's public service.

In addition to the amnesty proposal, Boss called for the introduction of a platform similar to the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) to curb the use of fake certificates and prevent impersonation. She also suggested that educational institutions should have digital platforms where employers can verify the academic credentials of job candidates.

The Deputy Speaker's amnesty proposal comes as the government intensifies its crackdown on public officers with fake academic qualifications.

Key Takeaways

• Kenyan official proposes amnesty for public servants with fake degrees
• Aim is to "tidy up the system" by allowing voluntary resignation
• Forging academic papers is a crime, but amnesty could address the issue
• Need for verification system to curb fake certificates and impersonation