An audit of academic papers at the Ministry of Health has revealed that 21 managers and workers at the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) hold fake KCSE certificates.

According to a report that was published by the Standard Media Group’s The Standard newspaper on August 20, 2024, the holders of these certificates are middle level managers and staff.

The report further noted that there are discrepancies in 29 other KCSE certificates in addition to the forged 21 certificates.

The fake KCSE certificates have been busted in the ongoing evaluation of employees that is being conducted as part of preparation for transitioning some employees to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The fake papers at the NHIF are just a small piece of the iceberg. In February this year, the Public Service Commission (PSC) said that fake papers have been used by more than 2,000 public servants to be appointed, promoted or re-designated.

Two years ago, the PSC had also conducted an authentication exercise conducted on the academic credentials of public officers across 331 institutions and found that 2,067 of them secured jobs or promotions using forged documents.

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Some 787 officers in Ministries, State Departments and Agencies, including universities and tertiary institutions were found culpable.

According to the PSC, the common types of forgeries included alteration of KCSE mean grades, forged KCSE certificates by those who did not sit the exam, never registered for or sat exams for which they hold certification.

Others were found in possession of university degree certificates that were altered from second division (lower) to reflect second division (upper).