Universities to Share All Certificates with the Public
If a proposal suggested by Abdul Haro of Mandera South is approved, universities and other institutes of higher education may soon start disseminating academic papers to the general public.
All educational institutions are expected to have digital certificate databases thanks to the Universities Amendment (No. 2) of 2023.
With this move, Haro hopes to create a world in which the general people may electronically confirm the legitimacy of documents from any organisation.
According to a section of the legislation that is being proposed, “Shall provide a digital database that permits access to and verification of the authenticity of academic papers acquired from such a university, subject to the Data Protection Act.”
The senator also wants to reduce the arduous travel that many Kenyans must endure to physically verify their academic qualifications at institutes of higher learning.
The member of parliament said, “The online digital diplomas will be useful during the periodic university strikes, elections, and epidemics.
Furthermore, he made it clear that the proposed act will fully respect the fundamental liberties that are guaranteed by the Constitution, ensuring that there will be no violations.
Abdul Haro emphasised once more that it is unlikely that this measure’s implementation will result in any more public cash being allocated.
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The proposed legislation is expected to make it easier for businesses to check the academic credentials of potential employees, filtering out those who try to get a job by cutting corners.
The Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called for heightened employer vigilance in the past by highlighting cases of job candidates falsifying academic credentials.
“Any university or other learning institution that may be engaged in collusion to issue academic certificates to unqualified individuals, including those who have not enrolled in or completed studies, should cease doing so and strictly adhere to prescribed standards,” the commission said in a statement.
EACC also disclosed various methods Kenyans employed to fabricate documents. These tactics entail manipulating grades and honours to increase their appeal in the fiercely competitive job market.
Universities to Share All Certificates with the Public
