The ceremony was taking place inside a church and had already begun when the officers arrived at the venue. Graduands, guests, and organisers were present as certificates were being prepared for issuance.
According to preliminary investigations, the event was organised by a local training institute that claimed to be operating in partnership with a foreign theological university said to be based in Ghana.
However, authorities found that the institution lacked approval from CUE to operate as a university or to offer degree and postgraduate programmes in Kenya.
When questioned, the organisers and senior officials failed to present valid accreditation documents issued by CUE. As a result, the graduation was immediately stopped, and the certificates and degrees being issued were declared invalid under Kenyan law.
Further checks revealed that the college involved is registered with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA). This registration only allows the institution to offer courses up to diploma level. It does not permit the awarding of bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees.
A review of the graduation list raised serious concerns among investigators. At least five individuals were listed as graduating with master’s degrees, while 17 others were set to receive undergraduate degree certificates.
Authorities noted that issuing such qualifications without approval amounts to a serious violation of education laws.
Officials from CUE stated that only institutions that meet strict legal and academic requirements are allowed to award degrees in Kenya. Any certificates issued outside this framework are considered fake and unusable for employment, further studies, or professional registration.
Following the operation, six individuals linked to the institution were arrested. Those taken into custody included the institution’s president, members of the board, and other senior officials believed to have played a role in organising the ceremony.
The suspects are currently being held as detectives complete investigations ahead of their arraignment in court. Authorities indicated that they could face charges related to fraud, operating an unaccredited institution, and issuing illegal academic qualifications.
This incident is not isolated. In February 2025, DCI and CUE officials carried out a similar operation in Mombasa, where a graduation ceremony organised by another unaccredited institution was stopped.
During that raid, more than 100 degree certificates were cancelled, and several officials were arrested.
Education authorities have expressed concern over the rising number of fake or unlicensed institutions misleading students with promises of quick degrees. They warned that such shortcuts often lead to wasted time, financial loss, and legal trouble.
CUE has urged Kenyans to always verify the accreditation status of colleges and universities before enrolling. The commission maintains a public list of approved institutions and programmes, which students are encouraged to consult.
The DCI also cautioned parents, students, and employers to remain vigilant, noting that academic fraud undermines the credibility of Kenya’s education system.