How Kenya's degree requirement for top political posts turned into fiasco

Many public servants have used fake degrees in pursuit of job opportunities or promotions. [iStockphoto]

The rush for academic credentials is nothing new ahead of a Kenyan election. Candidates are challenged about the existence or validity of their university degrees, and controversy is common.

This is because, under Kenya’s elections act, contestants for president, senator and, governor seats must show proof of a degree from a university recognised in Kenya. Members of Parliament resisted attempts to extend this requirement to them, and the Kenyan High Court ruled in their favour.