Kenyan honorary degrees have been questioned and government told to introduce stringent regulations governing the award of the non-academic achievement degrees to protect the credibility and integrity of the country’s higher education.
For years, Kenyan university chancellors and scholars have raised questions about “laundering” honorary doctorate degrees for political reasons. The executive has been in the eye of the storm for liberally awarding such degrees to political sycophants.
Speaking during Mount Kenya University’s (MKU) 28th graduation ceremony in Thika, the university’s founder and board chair, Prof Simon Gicharu warned that the uncontrolled issuance of honorary degrees risks eroding public confidence in local universities.
Prof Gicharu said the perception that such honours are sometimes issued as political rewards rather than based on merit undermines genuine academic excellence.
“Degrees must be earned through hard work in class,” Prof Gicharu told the more than 9,000 graduands, calling for clear national standards to ensure transparency, fairness and academic dignity in honorary recognitions.
His remarks were echoed by South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, whose wife was among the graduands. Osoro said Kenya must jealously guard the value of its education.
“When you earn a degree through your own effort, it propels you to greater heights and enables you to compete globally,” he said, urging the youth to pursue innovation rather than rely on government for jobs.
The ceremony, held under the theme From Knowledge to Nation-Building: Advancing Responsible Leadership and Governance brought together senior government officials, education leaders and international partners.
Chief Guest Aurelia Rono, principal secretary for parliamentary affairs, said safeguarding academic integrity is essential to strengthening governance, policymaking and national development.
She commended universities such as MKU for helping translate knowledge into practical solutions, noting that student-led innovations like EcoBlue and Nanaheal Enterprises that have earned international recognition.
University Council Chairman Vincent Gaitho highlighted MKU’s expanding role in shaping ethical leadership and contributing to research that informs national policy. Prof Gaitho said the institution’s 130,000 alumni have become influencers in business, technology, governance and media
Vice-Chancellor Deogratius Jaganyi said the university continues to revise curricula, support innovation hubs and provide industry-driven training to ensure graduates remain competitive.
He cited the recent introduction of a UBTECH Walker E-Educational Humanoid Robot to strengthen AI learning and interdisciplinary research.
Meanwhile, Prof Gicharu also announced new partnerships that will include a pact with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and ongoing investments in dentistry training, hospitality centres and maritime education to expand graduate skills and employment opportunities.
The event also honoured outstanding alumni and celebrated graduates that include Kenya’s Ambassador to Israel Samuel Thuita and Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu.
- A Tell Media / KNA report / By Muoki Charles
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