Days after the controversial conferment of an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership Administration and Management to Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi, the Northwestern Christian University-Kenya has been directed to recall the degree following an uproar from professional bodies.
The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) in a letter dated December 23, 2024, directed the Northwestern Christian University-Kenya to immediately recall Sudi’s Honorary Doctorate Degree whose certificate was issued with the ‘Engineer’ title on Saturday, December 21, during the university’s 17th graduation ceremony.
EBK says the title “engineer” is protected by law, and its use without proper academic process is punishable by law. The body argues that Sudi’s conferment with the title undermines the integrity of the engineering profession.
According to the board, the use of the style and title “Eng” is reserved for Professional and Consulting Engineers who are registered by the Board under sections 26 (1) and (2) of the Engineers Act, 2011.
These provisions prohibit the use of professional engineering titles by unregistered individuals and prescribe penalties for such violations.
Engineers Board challenge honorary degree awarded to MP Oscar Sudi
EBK further argued that the inclusion of the title “Eng” in Sudi’s degree certificate is unauthorized and constitutes a breach of Sections 26(3) and 47(2) of the Act.
“The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has received numerous complaints from concerned members of the public regarding the misuse of the professional title “Engineer” in an honorary doctorate certificate issued by Northwestern Christian University-Kenya during its 17th graduation ceremony held on December 21, 2024,” reads part of the statement.
“The Board has taken swift action by writing to the university and relevant authorities. Northwestern Christian University-Kenya has been advised to recall the honorary degree certificate issued, remove the title “Eng.” from the document, and issue a corrected version.”
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An honorary degree is an academic degree for which a university waives the usual requirements and awards individuals for exceptional contributions to society. It transcends formal education and is an appreciation of outstanding accomplishments in different spheres.
The awarding of honorary degrees in Kenya is subject to each university’s policies, which outline eligibility and the administrative procedures, and involves a selection committee, often comprising professors, who review proposals before shortlisting candidates.
This is followed by public vetting through announcements in local newspapers and the university’s online platform to receive submissions and comments from the public.
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Additionally, the University Senate then approves the recommendations from the selection committee, with the Council subsequently ratifying them through the Vice-Chancellor.
Sudi’s honorary degree draws reactions
The statement by the engineering board comes after MP Sudi’s conferment of the honorary degree drew an immediate response from the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), which questioned the award process and meritocracy.
Also Read: Oscar Sudi Awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree
IEK had earlier echoed EBK’s assertion that the title “engineer” is protected by law, and that its use without proper academic process is punishable by law, arguing that Sudi’s conferment with the title waters down academic discipline.
“So, when we saw that Certificate, indicating Hon. Eng Sudi, and we know this is someone in the Engineers register, we said this is a joke gone too far. So, that is quite offensive because it breaks the law. And by the way, the penalty for breaking the law is Ksh500,000 or two years in jail or both under The Engineers Act of 2011,” Eng. Shammah Kiteme, IEK President, said.
Hours after his controversial conferment of the Honorary Doctorate in Leadership Administration and Management, Sudi was up and about.
“Had I listened to people calling me names saying that I am not educated, I would have failed. I have worked hard by going to school and I have become an engineer. And I have gone ahead to study until I attained Doctorate,” the Kapseret lawmaker said.
He added, “I wish I had come with my certificate so that you see a list of what I have studied. Now I am a Doctor. Those who used to call the President Dr. Ruto, I am now a Doctor like Ruto.”
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