Controversy has engulfed Northwestern Christian University in Kenya after the Commission for University Education (CUE) launched an investigation into the institution’s decision to award an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) to Dr. Oscar Sudi and other individuals.
The ceremony, which took place at Eldoret Polytechnic, has sparked a heated debate over the legitimacy of honorary titles and the misuse of professional prefixes.
The Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) has now stepped in, issuing a stern directive to Northwestern Christian University-Kenya. The board has ordered the institution to immediately remove the prefix “Eng.” from Oscar Sudi’s honorary doctorate degree, citing violations of legal and professional standards.
According to the EBK, the title “Eng.” is legally protected and reserved exclusively for licensed engineers who meet specific academic and professional qualifications under Kenyan law.
In a statement, the EBK emphasized that Oscar Sudi does not meet the statutory requirements to use the “Eng.” prefix. The board argued that its misuse undermines the integrity of Kenya’s engineering profession and could mislead the public.
“The use of the title ‘Eng.’ is strictly regulated under the Engineers Act. Any individual or institution that misuses the title is in violation of the law and will face legal consequences,” the statement read.
The EBK has directed Northwestern Christian University to revoke the honorary certificate issued to Sudi with the “Eng.” prefix and replace it with a corrected version. Failure to comply, the board warned, would result in legal action against the institution.
Meanwhile, the Commission for University Education is scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding the awarding of the honorary doctorate degrees. Questions have been raised about the institution’s credibility and adherence to proper procedures in awarding such titles. Honorary degrees, though legitimate in certain contexts, are often criticized for being misused to enhance social and political stature.
Oscar Sudi, a controversial political figure, has yet to issue a public response to the unfolding scandal. Critics have taken to social media to question the motives behind the award and its potential misuse for personal gain.
As investigations continue, Northwestern Christian University faces mounting pressure to address the allegations and comply with the EBK’s demands. The unfolding drama has reignited calls for stricter regulation of honorary degrees in Kenya to preserve the integrity of academic and professional titles.
