A former Revenue Officer at Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited has recently been convicted and sentenced after being found guilty of using forged academic credentials to secure employment and unlawfully earn public funds.
The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court convicted Okandah William John on multiple charges, including forgery, uttering a false document, deceiving a principal, and fraudulent acquisition of public property.
According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Okandah obtained employment at the public utility company using a forged Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting, which he falsely claimed had been issued by the University of Nairobi.
Former Nairobi Water Officer Jailed, Fined Ksh5 Million Over Fake Degree. Photo: Courtesy.
The fraudulent credentials enabled him to secure and retain employment, during which he received Ksh4.75 million in salary and benefits.
The commission concluded that the payments constituted public funds acquired through deception.
In its judgment, the court emphasized the importance of integrity and honesty in public service, noting that ethical conduct is essential in safeguarding public resources and maintaining accountability within government institutions.
The court further observed that integrity helps reduce cases of fraud and corruption while strengthening public confidence in institutions and easing the burden on the justice system.
On June 3, 2026, Hon. Celesa Okare sentenced Okandah to pay a mandatory fine equivalent to the amount he fraudulently acquired, totaling Ksh4,749,597, or serve a two-year prison sentence in default.
The court also imposed additional fines of Ksh100,000 for each of the remaining offences, with a default sentence of 12 months imprisonment for each count.
The sentences are to run concurrently, bringing the total financial penalty to Ksh5,049,597 or a five-year custodial sentence if the fines are not paid.
