How Kenyans Are Increasingly Staging Fake Graduation Photos

In Kenya, approximately 658,000 students enrol in universities each year, embarking on diverse academic journeys.

However, a considerable number of these students do not complete their degrees, prompting the creation of fake graduation photos. This phenomenon has led photographers and studios in Nairobi to capitalize on the demand for staged graduation sessions, offering rental gowns and tailored attire for this purpose. Bob Clifford, owner of Telephoto Captions studio located in Kahawa Sukari, has experienced a notable increase in business during graduation seasons.

He acknowledges that his studio does not question the authenticity of those seeking graduation photo services, prioritizing client privacy in the process. Many clients, who may struggle to afford professional graduation photos during the peak season, often return later for staged sessions. Clifford elaborates that some graduates allocate their finances towards celebrations rather than photographs, resulting in a trend where they seek gown rentals post-ceremony.

At Telephoto Captions, a standard photography session is priced at Sh5,000 for ten photos, with an additional charge of Sh1,500 for gown rentals.
Despite the perception that the divide between enrolled students and graduates is significant, John Orindi, director of corporate affairs at the University of Nairobi, highlights that many students face financial challenges that lead to withdrawal from their studies.

The rising cost of education forces some individuals to defer their academic pursuits, with hopes of returning once they secure better financial footing. Female students, in particular, encounter societal pressures, including pregnancy, which can disrupt their education. Counselling psychologist Cleopa Njiru underscores the importance of parental support in addressing students' motivations for faking graduation.

He suggests that the root causes for educational failure often lie in economic hardship or detrimental habits, such as addiction. This compulsion to stage graduation photos may stem from a desire to avoid disappointing family members or to conform to peer expectations. The allure of social media exacerbates this trend, as individuals strive to project an image of success.

Njiru connects this behaviour to issues of self-awareness and peer pressure, along with potential undiagnosed mental health concerns. Furthermore, he notes that substance abuse can hinder sound decision-making among students.