The rise of diploma mills—fraudulent institutions that sell degrees with little to no academic work—has become a growing concern in Kenya.
These bogus Predatory Briefcase Universities (PBUs) operate under the guise of “accelerated learning” or “professional development,” luring unsuspecting individuals with promises of prestigious academic titles in record time. Unlike legitimate PhD programs that require years of rigorous research, coursework, and thesis defense, these schemes churn out “doctors” after just a few days or weeks, all for a hefty fee.
As recent as mid –February 2025, following a tip-off, a group of unscrupulous individuals were rounded up and arrested by police in a Mombasa hotel at a function in which some academic cons were to be conferred with PhD degrees after only three days of training by a PBU.
This follows hot on the heels of another thuggish practice in which individuals, including politicians, pay to be awarded honorary degrees, further tainting the credibility of Kenya’s academic landscape.
Obtaining a PhD
A legitimate PhD is the pinnacle of academic achievement, requiring years of rigorous study, independent research, and scholarly contribution to a specific field. Typically, a PhD takes a minimum of 36 months. Unlike the fraudulent schemes of diploma mills, a genuine PhD follows a structured process, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to academia, industry, and society.
The journey toward earning a PhD begins with enrollment in a recognised and accredited university. Depending on the institution and field of study, students may be required to complete coursework designed to strengthen their research skills and theoretical understanding. Once this initial phase is completed, the student identifies a research topic that addresses a significant gap in knowledge and writes a concept note on the same. Developing a detailed research proposal is a critical step, as it outlines the research objectives, methodology, and expected contributions to the field. This proposal undergoes rigorous scrutiny and must be approved by a supervisory committee or academic department before the candidate can proceed to the next phase.
With an approved proposal, the PhD candidate embarks on extensive independent research, collecting and analysing data using established scientific or theoretical frameworks. This phase, which can take several years, requires dedication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Throughout this period, the candidate works closely with academic supervisors who provide guidance, critique, and support in refining the research. The findings are then compiled into a dissertation or thesis—a comprehensive scholarly document that demonstrates originality and significant contribution to the field. In between, candidates are required to present progress reports and defend their work in seminars or colloquia, ensuring continuous academic engagement and feedback.
After completing the dissertation, the candidate submits it for review by both internal and external examiners, who assess the originality, methodology, and contribution of the research. The final hurdle in earning a PhD is the oral defense (viva voce), where the candidate must present in person and justify their findings before a panel of academic experts. This rigorous process ensures that only those who meet the highest academic standards are awarded the prestigious doctorate. Upon successful defense and approval of all academic requirements, the university confers the PhD, marking the culmination of years of scholarly dedication.
Modus operandi
Diploma mills disguise themselves as legitimate institutions while engaging in academic fraud. They operate online or through short workshops in rented spaces, offering quick PhD degrees without coursework, research, or thesis defense. Instead of rigorous academic requirements, they focus on rapid certification for individuals seeking titles over merit. The process is simple—candidates register, exaggerate their credentials, pay a hefty fee, and are fast-tracked to “graduation.” Some attend brief workshops with pre-written materials before receiving fake degrees. These fraudulent certificates often bear fake accreditation seals, deceiving employers and the public. The rise of diploma mills undermines higher education, allowing unqualified individuals to hold prestigious academic titles without genuine academic achievement.
Diploma mills
Victims of diploma mills are often professionals, politicians, and public servants seeking quick PhD credentials to boost their careers and social standing. Many fall for these scams due to ignorance or a desire to bypass the rigorous demands of legitimate doctoral studies. Politicians, in particular, use fake degrees to enhance their credibility and political influence.
Behind this fraud is a well-organised network of diploma mills, corrupt officials, and brokers who exploit the demand for instant academic titles. These fake institutions operate without physical campuses, using false accreditation claims and endorsements from influential figures. Corrupt regulators facilitate the issuance of bogus degrees for financial gain, while brokers aggressively recruit candidates, promising prestigious qualifications without academic effort.
Education system
The rise of fake PhDs is severely damaging Kenya’s higher education system by devaluing legitimate academic achievements. Genuine scholars, who spend years conducting research, now share academic spaces with individuals holding fraudulent degrees. This weakens the credibility of Kenyan universities, making it harder for graduates to gain international recognition and opportunities.
Beyond academia, unqualified individuals infiltrating leadership, healthcare, and policymaking threaten governance and service delivery. Universities risk being led by unqualified administrators, while research institutions suffer from a lack of expertise, leading to poor education quality and stagnated innovation.
Globally, Kenya’s reputation as an academic hub is at risk. Employers and international institutions increasingly question the legitimacy of Kenyan degrees, potentially reducing global opportunities for genuine scholars.
The Kenyan government, through the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), have been making attempts to combat diploma mills and academic fraud. In recent years, CUE has blacklisted unqualified institutions and MoE audited public servants’ academic credentials. However, diploma mills exploit legal loopholes, allowing the problem to persist.
Kenya’s Universities Act 2012 and Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) regulations criminalise academic fraud, but enforcement remains weak. Many fake institutions operate under false pretenses, and insufficient action by regulatory bodies enables fraud. The demand for quick PhDs fuels an underground market, making eradication difficult.
Several cases of fake PhDs among public figures have been exposed, leading to dismissals and legal actions. However, convictions remain rare due to weak enforcement and political interference.
Strengthening oversight, enforcing stricter penalties, and raising public awareness are crucial to preserving academic integrity.
Loud silence
University professors, have not been loud enough on this issue because the holders of these fake PhDs are also amongst them and others in decision-making positions above them. Reports of government/ministry officials and university council members with fake papers are no longer news.
To combat this menace, the government must tighten regulations on the accreditation and recognition of PhD programs. Institutions and employers must conduct thorough background checks on academic qualifications, before hiring or promoting individuals based on academic credentials.
Organisations must implement rigorous verification processes, including consulting recognised accreditation agencies and demanding authenticated academic transcripts.
The establishment of a centralised academic qualifications database would provide an efficient way to verify degrees and protect institutions from fraudulent hires.
Additionally, harsher penalties, including job termination, fines, and legal action, are proposed for those using fake credentials.
The rise of diploma mills in Kenya poses a serious threat to the integrity of higher education, professional standards, and the country’s global academic reputation.
The existence of fraudulent PhD schemes not only devalues genuine academic achievements but also allows unqualified individuals to infiltrate critical sectors, compromising decision-making and service delivery. If this issue is not urgently addressed, Kenya risks becoming a hub for academic fraud, further eroding public trust in its education system.
–The Author is a Professor of Chemistry at University of Eldoret, a former Vice-Chancellor, and a Quality Assurance Expert
