An honorary degree is awarded to any individual with no prior association with the institution in question. In the past, the issuance of honorary degrees to leaders has elicited mixed reactions.
Some argue the degrees awarded reduce the trust and authenticity of an institution. However, these degrees are awarded to recognise individuals with exceptional achievements in a particular field.
Over the years, several leaders in the country have been awarded honorary degrees including the late former President Mwai Kibaki who had at least 13 honorary degrees from different institutions.
In 2022, several leaders in Kenya were awarded honorary degrees from varying institutions of higher learning.
Musalia Mudavadi
The Prime Cabinet Secretary on Friday, December 9, was honoured with an honorary degree by the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).
He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) of Peace and Sustainable Development during the institution's 18th graduation.
According to the university, Mudavadi is credited with saving the country from runaway inflation and stabilising the economy of the country in the early 1990s.
In addition, the establishment of the Mudavadu Memorial Foundation Trust Fund that responds to societal needs emphasised that the former Vice-President has immense accomplishments in sustainable development.
Martin Kimani
Kimani who serves as Kenya's Permanent Representative and Head of Missions to the United Nations received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of New Hampshire.
During the award ceremony in May 2022, Kimani urged the university's 2022 graduates to roll up their sleeves and go change the world.
"What every single one of these crises reflects is a deficit in leadership. Solving every single one of them requires leadership that is intellectually honest enough to not interpret every fact using a flattening, black-white, dogmatic ideology," the ambassador stated.
Kristina Wambui
Wambui, sister to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, was in the running to represent Kenyans as a nominated member of parliament in the Senate after she was fronted by the Jubilee Party.
In July 2022, Kenyatta University (KU) awarded Wambui with an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causal).
She was awarded for her contribution and commitment to serving people living with various disabilities.
"Her inspirational vision and devotion has seen a source of courage and transformation to many in Kenya and beyond," read part of the notice from the university.
She was honoured alongside the Chief of General staff of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) General Robert Kibochi who was awarded a doctorate degree in Philosophy (Peace and Conflict Management).
