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The Mombasa fake degree scandal continues to unravel, revealing alarming details about how an unregistered institution, Northwestern Christian University, operated for years without detection. Investigations have confirmed that its founder, Moses Masiga, is a Form Four leaver with no recognized academic qualifications, yet he managed to establish a university that issued degree courses, including PhDs and master’s degrees.
With arrests of religious leaders and university officials linked to the fraudulent institution, the Commission for University Education in Kenya is facing pressure to tighten regulations and crack down on fake universities in Kenya. This scandal has also raised concerns about churches operating as educational institutions without proper oversight, with New Life Church and other religious organizations now under scrutiny for their role in education fraud.
Founder of the Fake University: A Form 4 Leaver with No Recognized Degrees
One of the most shocking revelations in this case is that Moses Masiga, the alleged founder of Northwestern Christian University, does not hold any recognized degree, master’s, or PhD. Despite claiming to be a university professor, records show that Masiga only completed secondary school and has no formal academic credentials from any recognized university in Nairobi, Eldoret, or Kenya at large.
The fake university was linked to Gate of Holiness Worship Centre Church, where Masiga reportedly held a leadership position. Investigators believe he used his church background to convince unsuspecting students and parents that the university was a legitimate religious-based institution offering PhD programs, degree courses, and scholarships.
Masiga’s fraudulent academic empire went unnoticed for years, raising concerns about how Kenya’s education regulators failed to detect a fake university awarding unaccredited PhDs and degrees. The Commission for University Education in Kenya has now launched a probe to determine if other fake institutions are operating under religious cover.
How the Fake University Operated
Investigations have revealed that Northwestern Christian University used deceptive tactics to lure students into its degree programs, promising quick academic progression without rigorous coursework. The fraudulent scheme involved:
1. Fake Accreditation and False Foreign Affiliations
The institution claimed to be accredited by international education bodies and to have partnerships with renowned universities. Many students believed they were earning degrees equivalent to those from the University of Nairobi, Kisii University, and other recognized institutions. However, no such affiliations existed, and the university was never listed on the University of Nairobi student portal, Kisii University students portal, or any official university library databases.
2. Selling Fast-Track Degrees
Instead of requiring students to attend university lectures and complete coursework, the fake institution sold degree certificates within months. Some students reportedly paid fees for PhD programs and received a PhD degree meaning nothing in the job market due to lack of accreditation.
3. Staged Graduation Ceremonies
To maintain the illusion of legitimacy, the university held fake graduations, complete with caps, gowns, and printed certificates. These ceremonies were attended by students, families, and religious leaders, making it appear like a recognized university in Nairobi or Eldoret.
4. Exploiting Religious Trust
Masiga and his team used church connections to attract students, marketing the university within religious institutions like New Life Church and Church World Services. Some students believed they were joining a faith-based institution that aligned with their church background, only to realize later that their degrees were fake.
5. Targeting Students Seeking PhD Scholarships in Kenya
The fake university misled students into believing it offered PhD scholarships in Kenya, attracting those who wanted affordable education. Many victims thought they had secured fully funded PhD programs only to find out later that their certificates were worthless.
6. Honorary Degrees to Gain Legitimacy
The university awarded honorary degrees to well-known figures, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who received a PhD from the institution two months ago. This was likely an attempt to boost the university’s reputation and attract more students.
The exposure of this fraudulent operation has put a spotlight on the loopholes in Kenya’s higher education system, with concerns that similar fake universities could be operating across the country.
Religious Leaders and Church Members Among Those Arrested
Authorities have confirmed that several church officials and religious figures played a major role in the fake university’s operations. Those arrested include individuals who held key administrative positions, such as:
- Chancellor
- Vice-Chancellor
- Dean of Students
- Professors and University Lecturers
Shockingly, some of these individuals had no higher education qualifications and only possessed forged degree and PhD certificates. Others were church leaders who misused their religious influence to deceive students into believing that the university was a credible faith-based institution.
Key Arrests and Legal Consequences
Police have arrested multiple suspects, including senior members of Gate of Holiness Worship Centre Church, for their involvement in the fraudulent operations. The suspects face over 30 criminal charges, including forgery, fraud, operating an unlicensed university, and conspiracy to defraud. The Commission for University Education in Kenya has warned that any employer found accepting fake degree certificates will also face legal action.
The revelation that religious leaders were involved in academic fraud has sparked heated debates about the role of churches in education. Many are now questioning whether church institutions should be allowed to run universities without stricter oversight.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Kenya’s Education Sector
The Mombasa fake degree scandal highlights deep flaws in Kenya’s education system, exposing how easy it is for fraudulent institutions to thrive. The fact that a Form 4 leaver managed to run a fake university issuing PhD degrees and master’s programs is alarming.
Key concerns raised by this case include:
- Failure of the Commission for University Education in Kenya to detect fake institutions
- Religious institutions misusing their platforms for financial gain
- Employers unknowingly hiring individuals with fake degrees
- Students wasting money on fake PhD scholarships in Kenya and unaccredited degree programs
With universities in Kenya already facing scrutiny over academic integrity, this scandal puts all higher education institutions under pressure to prove their legitimacy. The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has called for urgent reforms to prevent similar scams from damaging the credibility of university degrees.
What Needs to Be Done?
- Stronger monitoring and auditing of universities in Nairobi, Eldoret, and across Kenya
- Verification of all university library records and student portals to detect fake institutions
- Harsh penalties for those found guilty of running unregistered universities
- Strict verification of PhD programs and degrees before they are accepted by employers
The scandal has also raised concerns about religious organizations running universities, with authorities now investigating whether other fake institutions exist under churches.
As the legal process unfolds, Kenyans are watching closely to see if this case will lead to lasting reforms in the education sector or if other fraudulent institutions will continue to thrive.
What’s Your Opinion?
Do you think religious institutions should be allowed to run universities? Should employers do more to verify academic credentials? Share your thoughts in the comments!
