Migori County's Crackdown on Fake Academic Papers Sees 19 Workers Resign

Nineteen county government workers in Migori have resigned amidst a sweeping purge of employees with fake academic papers. These individuals are part of a larger group of 93 employees identified with fraudulent credentials in a comprehensive audit.

Migori County Secretary Oscar Olima confirmed receiving resignation letters from the 19 employees who chose to step down rather than face potential disciplinary actions. "We have received their resignation letters. They opted to leave the service instead of waiting for the county and other relevant bodies to take action," Olima stated.

The issue revolves around workers possessing counterfeit primary and secondary school certificates. Olima disclosed that 25 of the implicated employees have written to the county public service board, seeking a chance to present their cases. "The board has given them an opportunity to defend themselves before taking the next course of action," he said.

This purge is not limited to lower-level academic fraud. Migori County is also scrutinizing employees with questionable college certificates. Olima emphasized that the exercise is not a witch hunt but a necessary step informed by the audit report from the Human Resource Audit Institute in 2023 and a recent staff headcount by the county government.

"The fake primary and secondary school certificates were confirmed by the National Examination Council, which reviewed the academic papers for over 2,700 county employees," Olima explained.

All 93 workers identified with fake academic papers have been removed from the payroll, although they are still being given a chance to explain their situations. "The public service board is ensuring due process by allowing these employees to tell their side of the story," Olima reiterated.

As the investigation continues, Migori County's efforts to uphold integrity and accountability within its workforce are setting a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues. The outcome of this purge will undoubtedly influence how academic qualifications are vetted in the future, reinforcing the importance of honesty and transparency in public service.