
PhD after three days of training: Puzzle of Mombasa ‘graduation’
If you thought you had seen it all, just wait — you have not seen the worst yet.
On Thursday, February 13, detectives in Mombasa were drawn to an unusual ceremony taking place at the prestigious Sarova Whitesands Hotel along the Mombasa-Malindi Highway.
This renowned facility, known for its top-tier accommodation and conference amenities, had guests who were hosting what appeared to be a formal event. However, what caught the attention of law enforcement officers was not the elegance of the gathering but rather the nature of the ceremony.
For three days, a training session had been underway at the hotel.
But as the detectives would soon uncover, this was no ordinary workshop — it was a fraudulent conferment of Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Attendees were being awarded postgraduate degrees after just three days of training.
Among the sham degrees conferred were three Master’s in Business Administration (Leadership and Management) and two PhDs in Leadership (Hon. Causa).
The brazen nature of the scheme left even seasoned investigators astonished.
Acting swiftly, officers from Bamburi Police Station raided the hotel, arresting four individuals, including two foreign nationals. The suspects were identified as Dayis Lawrence Bennett (an American citizen), Farah Akbar (a Pakistani national), Ekra Wambui Ndung’u, and Josephine Ndune.
The four were arraigned before Shanzu Court and charged with five criminal offences, including offering degrees without accreditation of foreign universities, contrary to Section 28(2) and (3), as read with Section 28(5) of the Universities Act.
Section 28(5) of the Act states that any person who attempts to confer a degree through an unaccredited university commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction.
The law mandates that foreign universities seeking to operate in Kenya must obtain accreditation from the Commission for University Education (CUE).
They may collaborate with local institutions to offer programmes, but only with prior approval from the Commission.
Furthermore, the CUE is required to publish a list of accredited foreign universities authorised to operate in Kenya.
According to the charge sheet, the four suspects, along with others not before the court, acted as agents of a foreign institution to unlawfully confer a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership (Honoris Causa) to Purity Kimotho Wakuhu and Issack Alio Hassan without accreditation from the CUE.
In additional charges, they were accused of unlawfully awarding an Executive Master of Business Administration in Leadership and Management (Honoris Causa) to Evely Mila, Sepiso E.L. Nalumango, and Ahmed Noor Hassan without the required accreditation. The court was informed that these offences took place at the Sarova Whitesands Hotel in Bamburi.
However, the suspects denied all the charges when they appeared before Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma. Bennett and Akbar pleaded for bail, stating they were unwell and required continuous medical attention.
Through their lawyer, they also assured the court that they were not a flight risk and would comply with court proceedings by attending court regularly when required.
“It has not been demonstrated that the suspects are a flight risk. They do not reside in Kenya but work in Dubai. I urge the court to grant bail under reasonable conditions to ensure they attend all hearings,” their lawyer argued.
Ms Ndung’u told the court that she was merely an agent and a service provider who was inadvertently caught in the raid.
Ms Ndune, on her part, claimed she was attending the function as a young entrepreneur and was wrongly arrested alongside the other suspects.
“I was simply mentoring young people. I am a proud Kenyan, and I have never committed any offence. Many young people look up to me,” she told the court.
The prosecution did not oppose their request for bail but urged the court to impose strict bond conditions and require the foreigners to surrender their passports.
In her ruling, Magistrate Juma noted that no information had been presented regarding the permanent residence of the suspects in Kenya or their close contacts.
“I, therefore, agree with the prosecution that at this stage, their passports should be deposited in court pending further direction from the trial court. Be that as it may, bail and bond are constitutional rights, and since the prosecution has not objected, the accused shall be granted bail,” the magistrate ruled.
Each accused person was granted a bond of Sh400,000 with a Kenyan surety of the same amount.
Alternatively, they could pay a cash bail of Sh300,000.
The magistrate further directed that any cash bail depositor or surety must present a letter from their area chief confirming that they personally know the accused persons.
“The cash bail depositor or surety shall be examined under oath by the prosecution. Bennett and Akbar must deposit their passports in court pending further directions,” ruled Magistrate Juma.
She also directed the prosecution to supply the defense with all pre-trial documents without fail.
The case will be mentioned on February 18.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.