Quit & Refund Your Salaries- Ruto To Govt Workers With Fake Certificates

President William Ruto has called for government officers with forged certificates to resign after they were called out by a section of state agencies in the recent public service workforce audit.

Speaking on Wednesday, April 17 during the 3rd National Wage Bill Conference 2024 at the Bomas of Kenya, Ruto claimed that 2,000 employees used forged academic certificates to obtain well-paying jobs in the government.

According to the Head of State, the government was unable to keep unqualified Kenyans in various government positions.

Ruto also called for those listed in the report to refund their salaries to the government, likening this to obtaining money by false pretence.

Public Service Commission (PSC) offices in Nairobi. /PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

"Those who have earned money by using fake certificates should refund us that money. Those in government should leave and go and look for money to pay us.

"We must do what we need to do. I am ready to face the consequences. I am already called Zakayo," he stated.

PSC Chairperson Anthony Muchiri had disclosed earlier this year that over 2,000 public officers secured jobs, promotions, and re-designations using fake academic papers.

According to PSC, at least 331 institutions were targeted in the probe, of which 52 were ministries, State Departments, and Agencies.

On Thursday, February 15, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) announced that it would conduct investigations on claims that some state agencies have been protecting officers accused of forging academic certificates to obtain well-paying jobs.

In a statement, the anti-corruption watchdog warned that it would take action against any head of state agency who refuses to alert the body of persons wielding fake academic certificates.

"The Commission will also investigate allegations it has received to the effect that some public entities didn't forward to the Public Service Commission all the names of their officers with forged certificates. Action will be taken against any culpable head of a state agency involved in attempts to protect academic cheats," stated EACC in part.