NAIROBI, Kenya- A recent confidential communication from the Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson Anthony Muchiri has brought to light troubling findings surrounding the qualifications of Edith Fortunate Abong’o, a high-ranking government official.
According to the letter dated June 26, 2024, and addressed to National Security Advisor Monica Juma, a verification process has revealed discrepancies in both Fortunate’s high school and university credentials.
Fake KCSE Exam Record Sparks Controversy
One of the major red flags involves Fortunate’s claim of having sat for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in 2002 at State House Girls.
However, according to the PSC investigation, the school was not an accredited examination center during that year. This discrepancy casts doubt on the authenticity of her entire academic history.
Such findings raise broader concerns about the government’s hiring practices and the effectiveness of the vetting process for top positions.
Questions are now being asked about how such a significant discrepancy could have been overlooked and what the implications might be for Fortunate’s current role.
Daystar University Discredits 2007 Degree
Compounding these issues, Daystar University has come forward to discredit the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication that Fortunate claims to have earned in 2007.
According to the institution, the certificate presented by Fortunate features several discrepancies, including a mismatched serial number, differing signatures, and inconsistent font usage compared to other degrees issued during that graduation year.
In a statement from the PSC, the university confirmed, “The year 2007 Degree Certificate presented by Edith Fortunate Abong’o for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Print Media and Public Relations) is fake.”
These revelations about fraudulent documentation could not only damage Fortunate’s reputation but also have legal consequences as the government seeks to address these alarming findings.
So far, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained silent, refraining from issuing any comment as the investigation continues to unfold.
The PSC has urged immediate action to address these revelations, which could shake the public’s trust in government appointments and raise concerns about how thoroughly candidates for top positions are vetted.
The unfolding investigation could also prompt broader scrutiny into the qualifications of other high-level officials within the government.
As the situation develops, questions remain about what disciplinary measures, if any, will be taken. More importantly, will this investigation lead to reforms in how qualifications are verified for government roles?
