During the third edition of the National Wage Bill Conference in Nairobi on April 17, 2024, President William Ruto sounded a clarion call regarding a pressing concern: the infiltration of the public sector by individuals wielding fraudulent academic credentials. Revealing the outcome of a routine audit, President Ruto disclosed a disconcerting reality—approximately 2,100 Kenyan citizens had secured positions within the government using counterfeit educational certificates.
In his address, President Ruto underscored the detrimental ramifications of corruption within the public sphere, highlighting its impediment to national progress. With candor, he lamented the pervasive culture of wastage and embezzlement, stressing the imperative of redirecting resources towards developmental endeavors. Asserting a resolute stance, he proclaimed a pivotal shift towards combating corruption head-on, signaling a new era of accountability and rectitude.
President Ruto reiterated his unwavering dedication to rooting out corruption, pledging to commence by holding to account those who had illicitly amassed wealth during their tenures in public office. Furthermore, he proposed stringent measures for individuals found to be drawing salaries under false pretenses, advocating for the reimbursement of unlawfully obtained public funds.
“The perpetrators of this deception must face the consequences,” President Ruto declared. “It is tantamount to financial fraud, and they must be held accountable. Let them step down, repay what they owe to the public coffers, and seek their fortunes elsewhere.”
President Ruto’s remarks underscored a firm commitment to restoring integrity to Kenya’s public institutions, signaling a renewed resolve to confront corruption and uphold the principles of transparency and ethical governance.
