Government Urged to Tighten Rules on Honorary Degrees to Protect Academic Integrity

 

The government has been called upon to strengthen regulations governing the award of honorary degrees amid concerns that uncontrolled issuance threatens the credibility of Kenya’s higher education system.

Speaking during Mount Kenya University’s (MKU) 28th graduation ceremony in Thika, the institution’s Founder and Board Chairman, Prof. Simon Gicharu, warned that public trust in universities may erode if honorary degrees continue to be awarded without clear standards.

Prof. Gicharu said the perception that some institutions confer such honours as political favours rather than on the basis of merit undermines the value of genuine academic achievement.

“Degrees must be earned through hard work in class,” he told the more than 9,000 graduands, urging the government to establish transparent national guidelines that uphold fairness and academic dignity in awarding honorary recognitions.

His call was backed by South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, who attended the ceremony where his wife was among the graduating students. Osoro stressed the need to protect the integrity of Kenya’s academic qualifications.

“When you earn a degree through your own effort, it propels you to greater heights and enables you to compete globally,” he said, encouraging the youth to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship rather than depend on government jobs.

Focus on Responsible Leadership

The ceremony, themed “From Knowledge to Nation-Building: Advancing Responsible Leadership and Governance,” drew senior government officials, education leaders, and international partners.

Chief Guest Dr. Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, underscored the importance of safeguarding academic integrity in strengthening governance and national development.

She commended universities such as MKU for transforming knowledge into practical solutions, highlighting student-led innovations like EcoBlue and Nanaheal Enterprises, which have earned international recognition.

MKU’s Expanding Impact

University Council Chairman Dr. Vincent Gaitho noted the institution’s growing influence in shaping ethical leadership and steering research that informs public policy. He said MKU’s 130,000 alumni are contributing significantly across sectors such as business, technology, media, and governance.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi affirmed that the university is continuously updating its academic programmes, expanding innovation hubs, and strengthening industry-linked training to keep its graduates competitive.

He cited the acquisition of a UBTECH Walker E-Educational Humanoid Robot, which is expected to boost AI learning and interdisciplinary research.

New Partnerships and Investments

Prof. Gicharu also announced fresh collaborations, including a new partnership with the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, alongside ongoing investments in dentistry training, hospitality centres, and maritime education—initiatives aimed at opening up more global opportunities for students.

The graduation ceremony honoured outstanding alumni and celebrated notable graduates, among them Kenya’s Ambassador to Israel, Samuel Thuita, and Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu.

The call for tighter regulation of honorary degrees comes at a time when Kenya’s higher education sector is seeking to reinforce academic standards and public confidence in university qualifications.