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 instructed to recall the degree. This follows backlash from professional bodies.
The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), in a letter dated December 23, 2024, directed the university to immediately withdraw Sudi’s Honorary Doctorate Degree, which included the title “Engineer” on the certificate. The degree was issued during the institution’s 17th graduation ceremony on December 21.
EBK clarified that the title “Engineer” is legally protected and cannot be used without the proper academic qualifications and registration. The board argued that conferring the title on Sudi undermines the integrity of the engineering profession.
Under Sections 26(1) and (2) of the Engineers Act, 2011, the use of the professional title “Eng.” is exclusively reserved for registered Professional and Consulting Engineers. Any misuse of this title is considered a violation of the Act, which prescribes penalties for offenders.
“The inclusion of the title ‘Eng.’ in the honorary degree certificate is unauthorized and violates Sections 26(3) and 47(2) of the Act,” EBK stated.
In response to public outcry, EBK said it had received numerous complaints regarding the misuse of the title. “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, remove the title ‘Eng.’ from the document, and issue a corrected version,” the statement read.
Honorary Degrees and Legal Concerns
Honorary degrees are academic accolades awarded by universities to individuals in recognition of their exceptional contributions to society. These degrees are typically conferred without the recipient having to meet the usual academic requirements.
In Kenya, the process for awarding honorary degrees involves university policies, a selection committee, public vetting, and final approval by the University Senate and Council. Despite these procedures, the conferment of such titles does not grant the recipient the authority to use professional titles protected by law.
IEK’s Reaction
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) echoed EBK’s stance, calling the use of the title “Eng.” in Sudi’s honorary degree certificate a mockery of academic and professional discipline.
“So, when we saw the certificate indicating Hon. Eng. Sudi, we found it offensive. It breaks the law, and the penalty is a Ksh500,000 fine, two years in jail, or both under The Engineers Act, 2011,” said IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme.
Sudi’s Remarks
Despite the uproar, Sudi defended his honorary degree during a public appearance. “Had I listened to people calling me names, saying I am not educated, I would have failed. I have worked hard, gone to school, and I am now an engineer. I even attained a doctorate,” he said.
Sudi further added, “I wish I had brought my certificate so that you could see a list of what I have studied. Now I am a doctor, just like President Ruto.”
The directive by EBK marks a decisive stance to safeguard the credibility of professional titles and uphold the integrity of the engineering discipline in Kenya.
