ELDORET, Kenya – Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the director of an Eldoret-based college over allegations of issuing forged academic certificates, in a case that allegedly cost an unsuspecting graduate his job after his diploma was found to be fake during a government verification exercise.

The suspect, Philip Kipsoi Kiyeng, the Director of Region Group College, was arrested after investigations linked him to the alleged issuance of fraudulent academic documents following a complaint lodged by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The arrest marks another major crackdown by authorities on academic fraud as government agencies intensify efforts to eliminate fake qualifications from public and private institutions.

DCI Arrests Region Group College Director Over Alleged Fake Diplomas as Graduate Loses Job

How the Investigation Began

According to the DCI, the investigation was triggered after the Public Service Commission flagged questionable academic documents while authenticating certificates presented during an employment verification exercise.

"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," the DCI said in a statement.

The agency explained that the complaint arose during the routine authentication of academic and professional certificates submitted to the Public Service Commission.

"The suspect, Philip Kipsoi Kiyeng, Director of Region Group College, was arrested following investigations triggered by a complaint from the Public Service Commission during the authentication of academic and professional certificates," the statement added.

Alleged False Affiliation With Moi University

Investigators allege that Kiyeng falsely presented Region Group College as an institution affiliated with Moi University, convincing a student to enrol for a Diploma in Business Management.

"Investigations established that the suspect allegedly misrepresented the college as being affiliated with Moi University, thereby inducing a victim to enrol for a Diploma in Business Management," the DCI stated.

Believing the institution to be legitimate, the student enrolled, completed the course and received a diploma that he believed was valid.

"Upon completion of the course, the victim was issued a diploma, which he genuinely believed was authentic and subsequently presented to his employer," the DCI said.

Graduate Loses Job After Diploma Declared Fake

The graduate's fortunes changed when his employer subjected his academic documents to a verification exercise.

According to investigators, the diploma was found to be forged, resulting in the employee losing his job despite allegedly having no knowledge that the certificate was not genuine.

"During the verification exercise, the diploma was confirmed to be a forgery, leading to the victim's dismissal from employment," the DCI said.

The case has raised fresh concerns over the devastating impact fake academic institutions can have on students who invest time and money believing they are pursuing recognised qualifications.

ODPP Approves Criminal Charges

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

"Upon conclusion of investigations, the case file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved charges against the suspect, including making a false document contrary to Section 347(a) as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code, among other offences," the DCI said.

The suspect was arrested in Eldoret Town and is currently undergoing processing before being arraigned in court.

"The suspect was arrested in Eldoret Town and is undergoing processing pending his arraignment," the agency added.

DCI Warns Students Against Unaccredited Institutions

As investigations continue, the DCI has urged Kenyans seeking higher education to thoroughly verify the accreditation and legal status of colleges and universities before enrolling.

"The DCI reminds members of the public to verify the accreditation and legitimacy of academic institutions before enrolling," the agency warned.

The advisory comes as authorities continue to intensify the fight against academic fraud, warning that forged certificates not only expose graduates to criminal investigations but can also ruin careers, damage reputations and lead to the loss of employment opportunities.

Education experts have repeatedly urged prospective students to confirm that institutions and academic programmes are recognised by the relevant regulatory bodies before paying tuition fees or accepting admission offers.

The latest arrest underscores the government's renewed efforts to safeguard the integrity of Kenya's education system and ensure that employers can rely on authentic academic qualifications during recruitment and promotion processes. If convicted, the suspect could face penalties under the Penal Code in addition to any other charges that may arise from the ongoing investigations.

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