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Kenyan police have smashed a certificate and degree-faking racket by ministry of education officials - but the possibility remains of Kenyan students using false certificates to secure admission to foreign universities.

Fake certificates for four of the main public universities were seized alongside certificates of secondary education, visas for America and Britain, passports and bank statements. The certificates are for Nairobi, Moi, Kenyatta and Egerton universities.

A senior Kenya national examination council official, who did not want to be named, said: "We have received reports that the fake certificates are being used to apply for university places and visas outside the country."

At least 21 suspects are in police custody. Half are ministry employees.

Egerton 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ vice-chancellor Ezra Maritim said: "It is possible some students have been awarded diplomas and degrees on the strength of the fake papers."