From olden times, Honorary Degrees (Honoris Causa) are symbols of universities recognizing outstanding achievements in leadership, arts, science and philanthropy.
In Kenya, the few that have received this remarkable honour are individuals with the highest societal impacts. They include figures such as former Nobel Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, President Mwai Kibaki, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and globally celebrated athletes Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon.
According to Professor Maurice Oduor Okoth, the concept of having an honorary degree in Kenya has often been misunderstood, even within academic circles.
“Unlike traditional degrees earned through rigorous study, examinations and residency, an honorary degree is bestowed ‘for the sake of honour’ – a tradition rooted in the Latin phrases honoris causa or ad honorem,” he wrote on Scholar Media Africa.
He noted that before one is issued with an honorary degree, there is a meticulous process involved. This includes public vetting through announcements in local newspapers and the university website.
Recommendations from faculty, governing bodies and the public further ensure that awardees embody the institution’s values.
In recent weeks, there was a wave of outrage and backlash towards the Northwestern Christian University and the Open Christian University, who were accused of undermining academic integrity by awarding unverified titles, in exchange for money.
Prof Okoth noted that the conferees include the most prominent politicians and businessmen who lack notable achievements in their spheres. In his article, he labelled the institutions as ‘Predatory Briefcase Universities (PBUs)’, further stating that they lacked accreditation from CUE.
“These institutions deviate from academic norms by awarding honorary degrees en masse during single ceremonies, as well as honorary professorship – a practice virtually unheard of in reputable institutions.”
The academician noted that the mass conferment of honoris causa presents unique cash cow opportunities for the PBUs, an opportunity which is too hard to resist. The recipients are willing to pay large sums for prestige and public recognition.
Process of obtaining an honorary degree
The expert university education academician wrote that the first step in receiving an honorary degree from PBUs involves a notification letter briefly summarizing all the associated fees to be paid. One such letter, in his possession, had the following requirements:
- A non-refundable fee of Sh. 13,000 ($100)
- A PhD gown fee for Sh. 91,000 ($700) – Nominees get to keep the gown
- A handling fee of Sh. 91,000 ($700) for pastors & those in ministry, Sh. 130,000 ($1000) for businessmen and politicians and Sh. 195,000 ($1500) for honorary professorships.
- Conferees to bring 5 or more leaders to boost attendance and recruit the next crop of targets for this profiteering business.
From the above requirements, with just about between Sh. 300,000 and Sh. 400,000 and the right influence and ‘connections’, one can easily become a honorary doctor or professor.
“I can point out some engineers and medical doctors who have opted for this academic scam, particularly the honorary professorship, in a bid to lift their profiles,” he continued.
How unqualified students obtained degrees from a popular university through bribes
He noted that the PBUs and conferees create a symbiotic relationship. This means that the institution’s reputation is bolstered as they continue drawing more clients with minimal suspicion, while the conferees do the firefighting to defend their qualifications.
“The conferment of honorary degrees by PBUs, while contentious, has often been seen as a pathway to elevated prestige for the recipients…the title of ‘Doctor’ lends an air of authority and intellectual distinction…these titles often enhance an individual’s resume,” Prof. Okoth added.
He gave several measures through which such issues can be addressed. Some of them include CUE conducting regular audits, publishing a list of accredited universities and launching public awareness campaigns to educate Kenyans about legitimate degree-awarding institutions.
He also called upon stricter penalties being imposed on rogue institutions such as hefty fines, legal action and immediate shutdowns. Those conferred with illegal degrees should also be made aware of consequences they may face to deter future recipients.
“The controversy surrounding Northwestern Christian University and Open Christian University highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of higher education regulations
