Kenyans studying the German language covering both written and spoken skills, are urging the Kenyan government to investigate potential fraudulent activities at the Goethe Institute in Nairobi concerning their examinations.
The Goethe Institute is a global non-profit cultural organization with 159 branches that promotes the study of the German language. Recently, a group of students at the institute has expressed their dissatisfaction with how the institution manages its affairs. These frustrated students have reported significant challenges with both the Goethe Institute and the German Embassy, suggesting that both entities are taking advantage of vulnerable Kenyans.
Students believe that the Goethe Institute is intentionally setting up situations that lead to a high failure rate among candidates, particularly at the B1 level, which forces many to retake the exams. Evidence indicates that a substantial number of students fail these tests, and they assert that this is part of a deliberate strategy by the institute to increase the number of retakes, thus boosting its revenue.
Notably, the recent introduction of the B1 language certificate, which is valid for only one year, combined with long visa processing times, creates a scenario where many individuals must retake the exams. Previously, only A1 and A2 certificates had expiration dates, and this new policy appears to apply only in Kenya, further implying that the college and the German Embassy in Nairobi are intentionally creating obstacles for students.
While Kenyan students are raising alarms about examination fraud at the institute, similar issues have been reported in other countries. By July 2024, it was reported that 449 German language proficiency certificates, often required for visa applications, had been falsified at the Goethe Institute in Beirut, Lebanon. Investigations revealed that two employees at the Beirut branch had manipulated the system to alter scores of failed tests and sell fraudulent certificates.
Proficiency in the German language is crucial for foreigners looking to live in Germany, as certain levels of language knowledge are required for work and study purposes. When applying for a German visa, applicants often need to provide proof of their German language skills to meet specific standards.
