Degree fraud claims spark probe into 'ghost graduates'
Education
By
Lewis Nyaundi
| Apr 03, 2026
An integrity storm is brewing in the higher education sector following allegations that Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology issued degrees to individuals who may never have attended classes.
The claims, if proven, could expose serious loopholes in university admission systems, academic records management and graduation approval processes — raising broader concerns about the credibility of university certificates.
The controversy was sparked by remarks from former Cabinet minister Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, who alleged that a past graduation ceremony at the university included names of individuals who had no academic history at the institution.
“And I can demonstrate to anybody who cares to listen that the graduation two years ago at Masinde Muliro University had names of persons who were never admitted to that university… They came, they got a degree, and they went away,” Dr Kituyi said in a radio interview.
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According to him, some of the names only appeared for the first time during the preparation of the graduation list.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Wednesday ordered a comprehensive probe into the matter. Ogamba tasked the Commission for University Education (CUE) with verifying the claims.
Former Cabinet minister Dr Mukhisa Kituyi during a press conference at Serena Hotel in Nairobi, February 14, 2021. [File, Standard]
“The commission is required to ascertain that all graduands were, in fact, students at the university, and that they duly qualified for the award of the qualifications that were conferred upon them,” he said.
But the university denied the allegations, insisting that its graduation processes are rigorous and compliant with established academic standards.
“All students who graduate from this university apply, get admitted, register, go through their chosen courses, and only graduate once they have satisfied the examiners and senate,” read the statement.
The university further explained that all graduands undergo structured approval processes as outlined in its statutes before being cleared.
It also pointed to its distance learning programmes, where students study remotely, noting that such learners are equally subject to the same academic and graduation requirements.
“Graduation processing is not only done for students who attend classes physically, but also for those in Open and Distance Learning to ensure they meet the requirements.”
Despite the denial, the claim has raised deeper questions over possible manipulation of the university education system, with the spotlight on CUE, which is mandated to ensure quality and integrity across universities.
CUE Chief Executive Officer Mike Kuria defended the existing safeguards, noting that universities are required to maintain strict internal quality assurance systems to prevent such irregularities.
Prof Kuria explained that multiple layers of verification are involved before a student can graduate, including records at admission, departmental registration, school boards, and final approval by the university senate.
“There are records in the registrar’s office on admission, records in the department, records in the school board and records in the senate to show approval,” he said.
He added that while the claims are yet to be verified, they cannot be ignored due to their potential impact on public trust.
“This undermines the integrity of our education system… We cannot leave it alone.”
Kuria maintained that the commission would conduct a thorough probe before issuing a formal statement.
“The commission is committed to ensuring the credibility of the education system in this country is maintained. Any questions raised will be investigated and a full statement issued once this is completed,” he said.