Eldoret College Director Arrested in Alleged Forged Certificates Scam

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested the director of an Eldoret-based college over allegations of issuing forged academic certificates, a scheme that allegedly left an unsuspecting graduate jobless.

In a statement dated August 5, the DCI said Philip Kipsoi Kiyeng, the director of Region Group College, was arrested following investigations triggered by a complaint from the Public Service Commission (PSC) during the authentication of academic and professional certificates. 

“Detectives from the DCI Headquarters have arrested the director of a college in Eldoret over allegations of issuing forged academic certificates that left an unsuspecting victim jobless,” read part of the statement.

DCI Arrests Director Accused of Misrepresenting University Affiliation 

Detectives stated that Kiyeng allegedly misrepresented Region Group College as being affiliated with Moi University, convincing a victim to enrol for a Diploma in Business Management programme.

In addition, the DCI said the victim completed the course and was issued with a diploma, which he genuinely believed was authentic.

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The graduate later presented the certificate to his employer, unaware that it was allegedly forged.

According to the DCI, the alleged forgery came to light during a verification exercise conducted as part of the Public Service Commission’s certificate authentication process, where the diploma was confirmed to be forged, resulting in the victim’s dismissal from employment.

The detectives described the graduate as an unsuspecting victim who believed the academic qualification issued by the institution was genuine. 

ODPP Approves Charges Against College Director 

Following the conclusion of investigations, the DCI forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges against the suspect.

Among the charges approved is making a false document, contrary to Section 347(a) as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code, alongside other offences.

As a result, Philip was arrested in Eldoret Town and is currently undergoing processing pending his arraignment in court. 

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Additionally, the DCI has urged members of the public to verify the accreditation and legitimacy of academic institutions before enrolling in any programme.

The agency also encouraged the public to report suspected cases of academic certificate fraud at the nearest police station.

The arrest comes a month after the DCI secured the conviction of IEBC officials found guilty of forging academic certificates to secure their positions. 

Following a full trial, the court found the officials guilty. One was ordered to pay a total of Ksh1.6 million, comprising Ksh1.5 million in compensation and Ksh50,000 in fines for forgery and presenting forged certificates. 

Another official was fined Ksh110,000, with custodial sentences to apply in default of payment. 

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A collage photo of Philip Kipsoi Kiyeng, the director arrested in Eldoret. Photo/ DCI