DP William Ruto Pursuing PhD at University of Nairobi

Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday excited attendees at the launch of the TVET Curriculum Framework launch in Gigiri with details of progress in his PhD coursework.

In his address during the graduation ceremony at the Kenya Technical Training College, DP Ruto apologised for being late, explaining he was in class at the time he was supposed to be at the event.

He stated that he is a student and could not turn down his lecturer at the University of Nairobi where he was required to defend his thesis.

"I wished to have been with you earlier but I was called by the head of department School of Biological Science, The University of Nairobi. I am a student there and you know as a student your lecturer comes first. I had to go there first to defend my thesis," explained DP Ruto amid plaudits from the audience.

Last year, Ruto failed to graduate with the doctorate in Philosophy in Plant Ecology after failing to meet all the requirements for the coursework.

He already prides in his Bachelor's degree in Botany and Zoology and Masters in Plant Ecology.

His thesis takes a thematic approach on the influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Land Use with a focus on the changes and environmental quality of Saiwa Wetland Watershed in Western Kenya.

In his address, Ruto stated that the Kenyan education sector was now changing with the government giving more focus to technical and vocational training institutions.

He stated that for the first time in the country, there were more students joining TVETS than universities as had been the case for many years.

He stated that the government would channel more support to TVETS in a bid to boost the manufacturing industry from 9 to 15 per cent of GDP.

Through this, Ruto says the government shall build a million new affordable housing units using innovative technology and become food secure by empowering more young people.

He appealed to employers and the job market not to discriminate against graduates from TVETs saying they, just as degree holders, needed a decent pay.

"To industry players and employers: When we send you competent young people, please attach the appropriate value to their education and let that reflect in their remuneration," the DP appealed.