- Honorary degrees are often tailored to the nature of the achievements they recognise.
- Kenyan universities continue to honour individuals who have made remarkable societal contributions by awarding honorary degrees.
- Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals with significant societal contributions, adhering to strict guidelines.
In academia, honorary degrees (honoris causa) are prestigious accolades awarded to individuals whose exceptional contributions transcend formal education.
Originating in medieval Europe, these degrees symbolise universities’ recognition of outstanding achievements in leadership, arts, science, and philanthropy.
In Kenya, they have become a celebrated tradition, showcasing institutions’ commitment to honouring societal impact and distinguished service.
Kenyan universities continue to honour individuals who have made remarkable societal contributions by awarding honorary degrees.
Iconic figures like the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, and former President Mwai Kibaki have been celebrated for their transformative work in environmental conservation and national reforms.
More recently, Justice Martha Koome, Kenya’s first female Chief Justice, received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Nairobi for her judicial reforms and advocacy for gender equity.
Kenyatta University recognised Dr. Manu Chandaria with an honorary doctorate for his philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Moi University honored Prof. Wangari Mathenge for her climate-resilient agricultural research, whereas Laikipia University celebrated world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge with an honorary PhD.
On November 21, 2024, the University of Eldoret (UoE) conferred Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon, an honorary doctorate in education for her exceptional achievements in athletics, and the list is growing.
Why Honorary Degree?
The concept of an honorary degree is often misunderstood, even within academic circles.
Unlike traditional degrees earned through rigorous study, examinations, and residency, an honorary degree is bestowed “for the sake of the honour”— a tradition rooted in the Latin phrases honoris causa or ad honorem.
Typically awarded as doctorates but occasionally extending to masters or undergraduate degrees, these accolades recognise exceptional contributions to society or a specific field.
Notably, honorary degrees can also celebrate individuals with no prior affiliation to the granting institution, underscoring their universal nature as a symbol of achievement and impact beyond academia.
Honorary degrees are often tailored to the nature of the achievements they recognise. For example, the Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) is commonly awarded to leaders in governance, justice, and public service, while the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) celebrates excellence in literature, humanities, and the arts. Similarly, the Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) honours contributions to scientific research and innovation, and the Doctor of Humane Letters (D.H.L.) recognises achievements in social justice and philanthropy.
The awarding of honorary degrees is guided by each university’s Honorary Degrees Policy, which outlines eligible degrees and the administrative procedures involved. Typically, a selection committee, often comprising professors, receives and reviews proposals before shortlisting candidates.
Who Deserves?
This meticulous process includes public vetting through announcements in local newspapers and the university website, to capture any dissenting voices. Recommendations from faculty, governing bodies, and the public further ensure that honorees embody the institution’s values and mission.
Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals with significant societal contributions, adhering to strict guidelines. Honorees cannot be serving members of the awarding institution and must be alive during selection.
Recommendations from the selection committee are approved by the University Senate and ratified by the Council through the Vice-Chancellor. The degree, typically conferred at a graduation ceremony, is limited to one recipient annually. Posthumous awards are granted only if the honoree passes away after selection but before the ceremony.
The conferment of honorary degrees, while prestigious, has not been free from criticism, particularly regarding the use of the title “Dr.” by doctorate recipients. In Kenya, this practice has fueled debates about ethics and the distinction between academic and honorary recognition.
Critics argue that honorary doctorate recipients lack the rigorous academic training required for earned doctorates like PhDs. Consequently, using the title without clarification risks misleading the public, especially in professional or academic contexts where “Dr.” implies specific expertise.
Indiscriminate Awards
Titles hold significant weight in Kenya, and misuse can erode trust. Ethical guidelines recommend that recipients should clarify their honorary status, such as using “Dr. (Hon.)” or restricting the title’s use to ceremonial contexts.
Globally, figures like Nelson Mandela opted not to use “Dr.,” emphasizing humility, while others embrace it to highlight societal contributions. Ideally, universities should guide honorees on the appropriate use of titles, emphasising ethical practices and reinforcing the credibility of academic honours.
For instance, they must be guided that using honorary degrees to sort employment, teach or supervise students is inappropriate and tantamount to academic conmanship.
Critics are also concerned about indiscriminate awards, especially to public figures or politicians with questionable achievements that is likely to undermine academic integrity.
In Kenya, similar awards have sometimes drawn accusations of favoritism and lack of merit, for instance, Kenya’s State commendations – Orders, decorations and medals.
The much-coveted national awards such as Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.), Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.), Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.), Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W), are supposed to be awarded in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
One particularly controversial instance involving State commendations was the recognition of the ‘Githeri Man’—a man who was decorated with national decoration simply for queuing to vote while eating ‘githeri’ (a mixture of cooked maize and beans) during the 2017 General Election.
This sparked discontent, with many questioning the criteria used to recognise the individual.
One’s Reflection
On the contrary, a Vice-Chancellor who has successfully led a university (public or private), shaping academic policies and enhancing national development through education, is likely not receive similar recognition. Such incidents underscore the need for a delicate balance between societal recognition and institutional credibility.
To maintain their prestige, Kenyan universities must implement transparent selection criteria that is above board and hard to challenge. By prioritizing integrity, honorary degrees can continue to celebrate excellence without compromising the significance of academic qualifications.
As a university education expert, I believe honorary degrees should reflect the recipient’s academic journey and promote growth.
Individuals with no prior qualifications or diplomas holders could be conferred honorary bachelor’s degrees, such as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc). Bachelor’s degree holders could receive honorary master’s degrees, like Master of Arts (M.A) or Master of Science (M.Sc).
Honorary doctorates should be reserved for those with master’s or PhD qualifications. This tiered approach mirrors academic progression, ensuring honorary awards promote both recognition and developmental alignment within academic traditions.
Globally, esteemed institutions like Harvard and Oxford honour humanitarian leaders and scientific pioneers, illustrating the universal role of honorary degrees in celebrating outstanding contributions.
In Kenya, these awards serve as bridges between academia and the community, showcasing the power of individual efforts to drive progress.
However, with this recognition comes the responsibility of maintaining transparency and integrity in the selection process.
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Honorary degrees must be awarded based on genuine merit, ensuring their value and public trust remain intact.
As these awards continue to evolve, they remain a vital tool for celebrating excellence, inspiring meaningful contributions beyond the classroom, and motivating future generations to pursue impactful achievements.
By upholding these principles, honorary degrees will sustain their role as a testament to leadership, innovation, and societal advancement.
I have read two of your articles on honorary degrees and I fully agree with your line of thinking. It is not right for dubious private universities to trivialize the honour and value of of academic achievement in exchange for financial, political and other favours.