University Responds to Allegations of Issuing Fake Degrees
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has strongly denied claims that it awarded degrees to individuals who never studied at the institution. The denial comes after former minister Mukhisa Kituyi raised concerns about the integrity of the university’s graduation processes.
Speaking on March 31, 2026, during an interview on Radio Generation, Kituyi alleged that during a recent graduation ceremony, some names on the graduation list belonged to people who had never been admitted to MMUST. He described the situation as evidence of “massive institutional decay” within some higher learning institutions and insisted that he could provide proof to support his claims.
Kituyi explained, “My nephew was graduating from a public university when he noticed names of graduates who had never attended the university appearing on the official graduation list. I can demonstrate to anyone willing to listen that the graduating class from two years ago at Masinde Muliro University included individuals who were never admitted.”
In response, MMUST issued a statement on Thursday, April 2, rejecting the accusations. The university assured the public that all its graduation procedures adhere strictly to academic rules and statutory regulations. According to the university, every graduate undergoes a thorough process, including admission, registration, coursework, examinations, and approval by relevant academic authorities, before being cleared for graduation.
The university emphasized that students only qualify for graduation after fulfilling all academic requirements and obtaining approval from the University Senate, which oversees and validates all graduations. “Students who qualify for graduation are duly processed through the approval procedures as outlined in the University statutes,” the statement noted.
MMUST also clarified that the existence of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs may explain why some graduates are not physically present on campus during graduation ceremonies. These programs allow students to study remotely, making it possible for their names to appear on graduation lists even if they are not on campus at the time of the ceremony.
Meanwhile, the government has intervened, with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba directing the Commission for University Education (CUE) to investigate the allegations. In a statement released on Wednesday, April 1, the CS confirmed that the commission would verify whether all individuals listed as graduands were genuinely admitted students and whether they had met all the requirements for the qualifications awarded.
The government’s investigation aims to ensure transparency and uphold the credibility of Kenya’s higher education institutions. MMUST has expressed confidence in the process, reiterating its commitment to maintaining high academic standards and ensuring that all degrees awarded are legitimate and earned through proper channels.
This situation has raised wider concerns about accountability in universities, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of robust verification systems to prevent potential abuse of graduation processes. Both the public and the academic community are watching closely as the investigation unfolds.
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