Kibabii University has announced plans to confer a special academic honour, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (DHumLitt) degree, on Bungoma Governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka during its 11th graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026.
According to a statement signed by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Joshua Ondura Ogendo, the award recognises Lusaka’s contributions to public service, devolved governance, education, institutional development and environmental conservation.
The university said the decision followed a recommendation by the University Senate and the consent of the University Council, in accordance with the Kibabii University Charter, 2015, and the university’s statutes.
“Pursuant to Section 9(1)(c) of the Kibabii University Charter, 2015, and Statute XLIV, Section1(ix) of the Kibabii University Statutes, 2021, and upon recommendation of the University Senate with the consent of the University Council, Kibabii University hereby presents His Excellency Rt. Hon. Kenneth Makelo Lusaka for the conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (DHumLitt), (Honoris Causa), during the 11″ Graduation Ceremony to be held on Friday, 20th November 2026,” the University stated.
Why Kibabii University Chose Governor Lusaka
Kibabii University cited Lusaka’s public service career, including serving as Permanent Secretary for Livestock Development, the inaugural Governor of Bungoma County, and Speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Kenya.
During his public service, he contributed to public administration, county institution-building, early childhood education, and efforts to bring parliamentary proceedings closer to citizens.
The university also recognised his contribution to higher education, including his support for Kibabii University’s journey towards receiving its Charter in 2015.
Lusaka was further credited with supporting the development of the Bachelor of Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Management programme at the institution.
“His contribution to higher education includes supporting Kibabii University’s journey towards the award of its Charter in 2015 and the development of the Bachelor of Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Management programme.”
Beyond public administration and education, the university cited Lusaka’s involvement in environmental conservation and eco-tourism initiatives associated with the Mount Elgon ecosystem.
The institution said the honorary degree recognises his contributions to governance, education and the advancement of society.
Kibabii University has invited members of the public to join in celebrating Lusaka during the November graduation ceremony, when he is scheduled to receive the honorary degree.
Who is Kenneth Lusaka: Education and Career
Kenneth Makelo Lusaka built his career as a long-serving civil servant before moving into elective politics.
He is best known for serving as Bungoma’s first governor, Senate Speaker from 2017 to 2022, and later returning as Bungoma governor in 2022.
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Lusaka attended Kamukuywa Primary School (also called AC Mapela Primary), then St. Mary’s Kibabii High School for O Levels. He later attended Chesamisi High School and Friends School Kamusinga for A Levels.
He first enrolled at the University of Nairobi for Literature but switched to Political Science and History, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and History, Second Class Honours (Upper Division).
Later, he earned a master’s degree in public policy and administration from the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, Netherlands.
Civil-service career
After university, Lusaka joined the public service through the Public Service Commission. He first served as a District Officer in Keumbu, Kisii, then in Muhoroni and Homa Bay.
He rose to District Commissioner, serving in Kajiado, Marakwet, and Murang’a. In those postings, he dealt with insecurity, cattle rustling, early marriage, group ranches, and the Mungiki menace.
His senior public-service roles included:
- Personal assistant to the Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner.
- First Secretary for Provincial Administration in the Office of the President, appointed in 2008 under President Mwai Kibaki.
- Permanent Secretary for Livestock Development, appointed in 2009.
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As Livestock PS, he says the ministry improved its performance-contract ranking from 43rd to 12th, repealed outdated laws, advanced the national livestock policy, revived the Kenya Meat Commission and created new parastatals.
Move into politics
Lusaka resigned as Permanent Secretary in 2012 to contest the newly created Bungoma governorship. He won the 2013 election and became Bungoma County’s first governor, serving from 2013 to 2017.
He lost his 2017 re-election bid to Wycliffe Wangamati. Later that year, he was elected Speaker of the Senate, defeating Farah Maalim 42 votes to 25 in the second round.
As Senate Speaker, Lusaka presided over Senate debates, made procedural rulings, announced voting results and exercised authority over members who breached House procedure.
He served in the role from August 31, 2017, to 2022, during a politically turbulent period that included disputes over devolution, revenue sharing and constitutional reform.
In the 2022 General Election, Lusaka ran again for Bungoma governor on a Ford Kenya ticket. He defeated the incumbent, Wycliffe Wangamati, with 244,298 votes to Wangamati’s 137,378.
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