University of Nairobi faculty members are demanding swift disciplinary measures against two individuals accused of running a complex academic fraud scheme that jeopardizes the institution’s reputation. In a pointed open letter dated May 31, 2025, concerned professors and alumni have formally charged Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau and her alleged accomplice Beatrice Ndung’u with engaging in systematic academic fraud, which includes the use of forged credentials and falsified examination records.
The letter, addressed to Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, presents what the petitioners describe as “credible evidence” of a coordinated scheme to circumvent the university’s academic standards and examination processes.
The Allegations
According to the detailed accusations, Faith Gitau allegedly engaged in multiple fraudulent activities while pursuing studies at UoN. The petitioners claim that Gitau, registered under Student ID C50/XX05/2022, was simultaneously enrolled under a different identity to disguise her academic pursuits.
The most serious allegation involves examination fraud. The letter states that a counterfeit semester examination card bearing Gitau’s photograph and personal details was used to access examination halls. However, investigators claim the registration number belonged to another student entirely, suggesting identity manipulation to facilitate unauthorized examination access.
“The fraud is occurring against a backdrop of institutional collapse,” the letter states, referencing ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into financial irregularities at the university.
Beatrice Ndung’u’s Alleged Role
Beatrice Ndung’u, described as Gitau’s accomplice, allegedly played a crucial role in facilitating the fraudulent activities. The petitioners claim Ndung’u, who works with instructors, collaborated in manipulating academic records on Gitau’s behalf.
The letter alleges that Ndung’u was involved in coaching efforts designed to help Gitau circumvent legitimate academic assessment processes, potentially compromising the integrity of multiple courses and examinations.
Evidence Presented
The petitioners claim to possess substantial documentation supporting their allegations, including:
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Fake student identification documents
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Forged examination cards with manipulated registration numbers
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Records showing simultaneous enrollment under different identities
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Documentation of grade manipulation and fraudulent academic credentials
The academics assert that this evidence demonstrates a systematic pattern of fraud that extends beyond individual misconduct to suggest broader institutional vulnerabilities.
Institutional Context
The allegations emerge during a turbulent period for the University of Nairobi, with the EACC already investigating financial irregularities involving unexplained payments, embezzlement, and alleged misuse of university land. The petitioners suggest that the academic fraud case represents another symptom of institutional breakdown at Kenya’s premier university.
Demands for Action
The concerned academics have made three specific demands:
- Immediate Suspension: Beatrice Ndung’u must be suspended pending criminal investigation
- Degree Cancellation: All of Gitau’s academic credentials should be revoked and enrollment terminated
- Forensic Audit: The EACC and Directorate of Criminal Investigations should conduct a comprehensive audit of all academic records since 2020
The letter emphasizes that failure to act decisively could further damage the university’s reputation and academic credibility.
Broader Implications
The case highlights growing concerns about academic integrity at Kenyan universities and the effectiveness of systems designed to prevent credential fraud. If proven, the allegations could have far-reaching implications for how universities verify student identities and secure examination processes.
The University of Nairobi, once considered a beacon of African scholarship, has faced mounting challenges in recent years, including leadership disputes, financial irregularities, and now allegations of systematic academic fraud.
Response Awaited
As of publication, neither Faith Gitau nor Beatrice Ndung’u had publicly responded to the allegations. The University of Nairobi administration has also not issued an official statement regarding the accusations or the demands for disciplinary action.
The case represents a critical test for the university’s commitment to academic integrity and its ability to address internal misconduct effectively. The outcome could significantly impact public confidence in Kenya’s higher education system and the value of degrees from the institution.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and other relevant authorities are expected to respond to the formal complaints in the coming weeks, potentially launching investigations that could result in criminal charges if the allegations are substantiated.
