President Ruto's senior advisor, Makau Mutua, has called for Kenya to follow Ethiopia's lead in banning holders of honorary doctorates from using the title "Dr."
Through his X platform, the lawyer called on Education CS Julius Ogamba to implement similar restrictions, arguing that the move would protect academic integrity and clearly distinguish earned from ceremonial titles.
"In July 2025, Ethiopia banned those with honorary doctorates from using the title 'Dr.' It restricted how universities can confer honorary degrees,” Mutua wrote. “This protects academic integrity and distinguishes between earned and ceremonial titles. Kenya must follow suit.”
If implemented, the proposal would have far-reaching implications for numerous prominent Kenyans who currently hold honorary doctorates from various institutions.
Among those who have received honorary degrees are world Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko, and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi.
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An honorary degree is an academic qualification for which universities waive normal requirements such as coursework, research, and examinations. These doctorates are typically awarded to individuals who have no prior academic connection with the conferring institution.
Universities bestow honorary degrees as their highest form of recognition, usually to honor distinguished contributions to a specific field or society.
The degrees are traditionally conferred during regular graduation ceremonies, where recipients are invited to deliver acceptance speeches before assembled faculty and graduates, often forming the highlight of such occasions.
However, critics have long argued that the practice blurs the line between academic achievement earned through years of rigorous study and recognition given for other accomplishments.
The concern centers on using the "Dr." title, which many believe should be reserved exclusively for those who have completed formal doctoral programs.
