Technical University of Kenya Fires 350 Staff Over Fake Academic Certificates.
The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) recently dismissed over 350 employees, including faculty, due to fake academic credentials. This action followed an extensive audit that uncovered discrepancies in their academic qualifications. As a result, these staff members were promptly removed from the university’s payroll.
The dismissals affect various levels of the institution, with the termination process expected to conclude by the end of this month. According to an inside source, some of these cases will be forwarded to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for further scrutiny and potential legal action.
Last year, TUK’s management undertook efforts to revise its staffing structure amid allegations of overstaffing. These revisions included new appointments and promotions, which faced criticism for alleged impropriety. In June 2023, the Director of Human Resource Management issued a memo instructing unit heads, school administrators, faculty members, and center administrators to conduct a staff headcount and identify vacant positions.
The verification of academic certificates began in December of the previous year. This process involved checks with various educational institutions to ensure the authenticity of the qualifications presented by the staff. Recently, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua highlighted that over 10,000 government employees hold dubious qualifications, shedding light on a broader issue.
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The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) TUK chapter has proactively reached out to its members to plan for the future. The union informed its members that some staff had received letters notifying them of their impending removal from the payroll, effective July 1, 2024. The union advised all affected members to share the details of their letters with the chapter office for guidance.
Given the varied reasons behind the management’s intended actions, the chapter secretary, Fred Wanyonyi Sawenja, urged the union and its members to adopt a collective, responsible, and reasonable approach to address the situation. Therefore, the union’s proactive stance aims to support the affected members through this challenging transition.
In conclusion, TUK’s rigorous audit and subsequent dismissals underscore the university’s commitment to maintaining integrity in its academic and administrative processes. The involvement of anti-corruption and criminal investigation bodies highlights the severity of the issue. Moreover, the union’s proactive support offers a crucial safety net for those affected. This development at TUK serves as a significant reminder of the importance of authenticity and integrity in academic institutions.
Technical University of Kenya Fires 350 Staff Over Fake Academic Certificates.
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