Are Kenyan Universities right in issuing Honorary degrees whenever they feel like?
“An honorary degree is a doctorate, awarded to individuals who have no prior connection with the institution in question. The conferring of an honorary degree is the greatest honour that any university can bestow to a person,” the article states.
Strathmore University says in a document detailing guidelines on honorary degrees that whoever it gives that honour must “have sufficient stature and recognition to ensure that the awarding of an honorary degree brings enhanced reputation to Strathmore University and to the academic community as a whole.
The past week saw the Country subjected to a number of graduation ceremonies across the country that saw a number of leaders led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga get honorary degrees.
Others were Chief Justice David Maraga, Central Bank of Kenya governor Patrick Njoroge and Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) secretary-general Francis Atwoli.
Mr Kenyatta and Mr Odinga’s degrees were issued by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology for the March 9 ‘handshake’ that ended the political turmoil following last year’s General Election.
Mr Odinga also received an honorary degree in 2008 from the University of Nairobi alongside former President Mwai Kibaki and former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan (now deceased). The three midwifed a power-sharing deal that quelled tensions in Kenya arising from the disputed 2007 polls.
Mr Kenyatta equally has another honorary degree from Moi University awarded in 2013 “for his efforts to promote peace and unity”.
Justice Maraga’s honorary doctorate in law was given by Daystar University. The institution’s acting vice chancellor, Prof James Kombo, said the honour was in line with the theme of the graduation ceremony: ‘Transforming Africa through Excellence and Servant leadership’.
“I am humbled and deeply honoured to receive an honorary doctorate in law,” Justice Maraga later tweeted. “I thank the almighty God and the university for this honour.”
Dr Njoroge’s award came from Kenyatta University for his contribution “towards monetary stability in the country under difficult circumstances”.
Kenyatta University vice chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina said Dr Njoroge has proved to be a game-changer in Kenya’s financial industry.
Honorary degrees have been conferred from as far back as the 15th century, according to an article on the University of Nairobi website.
The first recorded honorary degree was awarded to Lionel Woodville in the late 1470s by the University of Oxford.