PSC puts State institutions on notice over employees' academic papers

The Public Service Commission (PSC) chairperson Anthony Muchiri.[David Njaaga,Standard]

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has directed State institutions to undertake an audit of academic and professional certificates of employees hired in the last ten years.

In a circular dated October 19, 2022, the PSC chairperson Anthony Muchiri said the directive affects ministries, departments and State corporations.

The institutions are required to submit their respective reports by January 31, 2023.

"The Commission notes that the circular under reference has received little or no traction by all the institutions and stakeholders concerned. This has necessitated a general public perception of the integrity of academic and professional certificates of a number of persons holding public offices," said Muchiri.

The letter was copied to the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Public Service and Gender, the Commission for University Education CEO Prof. Mike Kuria, the Secretary of the Kenya National Examinations Council and all heads of human resource management in the ministries, State departments and agencies.

The Commission further asked the State institutions to continuously scrutinise academic and professional certificates prior to appointments and promotions.

"They (Institutions) will be required to file the same through the Compliance and Quality Assurance quarterly," the PSC said.

The Commission further asked the State agencies to sack those who will be found in possession of forged papers.