Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has warned politicians with questionable academic papers that they would be blocked from contesting in next year’s elections. Dr Matiang’i said no politician will be cleared to contest if the Commission for University Education (CUE) is not satisfied with the papers presented.
“Elections are up and everyone is rushing to get papers. This time CUE’s voice must be heard,” he said.
The CS said the Education ministry will ensure only persons with genuine papers are cleared. “Those who present papers from unrecognised universities will be turned away,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i warned that the noose will be tightened for persons seeking public offices next year. “If you turn up with a degree that we do not know, we shall refuse it so that you do not take up public office,” he said.
Speaking during a media briefing on curriculum reforms, Dr Matiang’i said time has come for the moral composition of Kenyans to be challenged.
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“Why do you need a judge to determine that you went to a university and obtained a degree? This is madness,” he said. “We must be honest and learn to be genuine for the sake of the country. If you know you do not have papers why contest?”
He said CUE is under firm instructions to scrutinise case by case all requests for clearance to seek election for public office.
His comments come as politicians battle to prove that they have requisite academic papers. The most publicized case was that of Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, who fought through the courts to prove the authenticity of his degree from a Ugandan university.
Currently, Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu is facing accusations of using his brother’s university certificates. The matter has moved to court in a case where Kiambu Governor William Kabogo wants him kicked out as MP for lacking the relevant academic papers.
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