Fake Degrees Scandal: Dramatic Raid at ‘Ghost University’ as Officials, Students Arrested
On Friday, February 28, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and representatives from the Commission for University Education (CUE) stormed the graduation ceremony of Northwestern Christian University in Mombasa. The reason for the raid was that the university was not accredited to operate in Kenya.
During the operation, the commission invalidated 100 degrees that were deemed fake and arrested university officials and students. However, the students were later released, with CUE advising Kenyans to be cautious when selecting universities.
A DCI officer at the scene declared, “This is now a crime scene. Anyone wearing a graduation gown must remain seated until we finish our work. Is that understood?”
The crackdown followed after Northwestern Christian University was identified as one of the institutions running without proper accreditation. The government had already warned the university to stop its operations in Kenya.
After the raid, CUE Chairman, Professor Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, reaffirmed the commission’s determination to shut down illegal higher education institutions across the country.
“When universities and colleges pretend to be legitimate and offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs without proper authorization, it is our responsibility to take action and stop this unlawful practice,” he said.
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“We found this university conducting a graduation today. Many individuals were receiving degrees, including PhDs. Working with relevant authorities, we managed to apprehend the institution’s founders,” he added.
This action comes after CUE had previously revoked the university’s license in 2023. The revocation was publicly announced through a notice in local newspapers, but despite the warning, the institution continued its operations illegally.
“The institution was clearly informed that it was not accredited to offer university education in Kenya. Any academic certificates issued by them would not be recognized in the country,” CUE stated.
As a result, the commission has launched an investigation into how the university was still awarding degrees despite its license being revoked.
The university also drew attention from the Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK). The board demanded that the institution withdraw an honorary doctorate degree awarded to Kapseret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi.
The honorary degree, which included the title ‘Engineer,’ was granted to Sudi on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the university’s 17th graduation ceremony.
EBK stated that it received several complaints from concerned members of the public regarding the misuse of the professional title “Engineer” in the honorary doctorate certificate. In response, the board ordered the university to revoke the certificate immediately.
Fake Degrees Scandal: Dramatic Raid at ‘Ghost University’ as Officials, Students Arrested
