Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) reported 169 undergraduate degrees held by students enrolled in a college based in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
In a notice dated Thursday, June 23, GLUK said the 169 graduates were victims of unscrupulous institutions that used its name to issue fake degrees.
The University has advised members of the public to be careful with certificates offered in its name amid the ongoing controversy over the influx of fake degrees in the country.
A stock image of Kenya National Examinations Council certificates on a table.
“The Board and management of the University of the Great Lakes of Kisumu are concerned about the increase in the number of cases of academic fraud brought to our attention.
“In particular, the incident of 169 unsuspecting students who enrolled at Baraton College Limited (Eldoret) and allegedly obtained university degrees fraudulently marked with the credentials of the University of the Great Lakes of Kisumu on December 17, 2021 on the ground of their college,” read the notice in part.
In addition, the Kisumu-based institution of higher education has published graduation dates which can be used to authenticate degrees from the university.
“We would like to clarify that the graduation dates as claimed on diplomas/certificates are incorrect and wish to advise the public to refer to our true record of our graduation dates and locations.”
GLUK said it would take legal action against the institutions and individuals behind the fake degree, adding that degree holders would also be held accountable.
“Therefore, the general public is urged to take notice of this notice and exercise caution when dealing with unscrupulous individuals and institutions posing and/or claiming to be associated with the University of the Great Lakes of Kisumu .
“Furthermore, any member of the public in possession of such degrees/certificates not conferred/awarded on the above dates and in an official congregation of the university should be warned that legal action will be taken against them.”
In recent weeks, the news cycle has been dominated by controversies surrounding fake diplomas following the elimination of candidates by TNZT Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The debate saw education stakeholders including Cabinet Secretary George Magoha suggest there should be mandatory verification of all qualifications in the country.
“It is very unfortunate that the issues of fake diplomas are now being politicized instead of being dealt with in a professional manner.
“No judge can give you a degree or even the IEBC. A degree has to come from a university. noise, everyone’s degree should now be checked,” Magoha said.
Education CS George Magoha addresses the 2nd International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Linking Research, Science, Technology and Innovation with Development in Africa at Kabete National Polytechnic on May 5, 2022.
Ministry of Education
