A staff member at Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) has been formally charged in Milimani Anti-Corruption Court after investigations showed she used a forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) to secure her job. Kenyans+2KDRTV+2
What the Charges Say
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The accused—Teresia Chepkemoi Chepkwony—worked in various roles including Revenue Collection Assistant, Technician, and Marketing Assistant at Nairobi Water. Nairobi Wire+2KDRTV+2
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She is alleged to have submitted a fake KCSE certificate indicating a mean grade of C+ from Boron Secondary School, which was purposed to be genuine from KNEC. KDRTV+2Nairobi Wire+2
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The document was used to fill her personnel records and used in HR forms, effectively deceiving the employer (NCWSC). Kenyans+1
Scale of the Fraud
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Because of the forged documents, she allegedly received salaries & benefits totalling about KSh 7,590,872 between March 1, 2013 to December 31, 2023. Kenyans+2KDRTV+2
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The fraud is not just the forgery; it includes fraudulent acquisition of public property, deceiving a principal, uttering a false document, and forgery under relevant sections of Kenyan law. KDRTV+2Nairobi Wire+2
Legal Process & Bail
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Chepkwony denied all the charges when arraigned. Kenyans+1
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She was granted bail: bond of KSh 500,000 with one surety of the same, or alternatively cash bail of KSh 100,000. Also required to provide two contact persons. Kenyans+1
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Mention date for further court directions was set for September 3, 2025. Kenyans+1
Why It Matters
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This case underscores a growing concern over academic forgeries being used to gain employment in public institutions. It’s part of a wider crackdown. Nairobi Wire+1
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The financial loss to the state is significant, since public funds pay the salaries and benefits based on false qualifications.
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It raises questions about the verification processes in hiring at utility companies and other public bodies.
What to Watch
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Outcome of the trial—whether she will be convicted, and what penalties will follow (fines, potential imprisonment).
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How NCWSC corrects its hiring and verification systems to prevent similar fraud.
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Whether this case will deter others tempted to use forged documents.
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Public service reforms around credential verification and HR oversight.
Conclusion
The NCWSC employee charged with forging a KCSE certificate is a sharp reminder that integrity in public employment matters. Beyond the courtroom, this case holds lessons for employers, public institutions, and job seekers: honesty, verification, and accountability are non-negotiable.
