It is the short rainy season in Kenya, and it can be argued that honorary degrees rained down at local universities last Friday.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the president of the court, David Maraga, the governor of the Central Bank of Kenya Patrick Njoroge and the general secretary of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu), Francis Atwoli, were among those conferred with honors by various institutions.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Odinga University of Science and Technology issued Mr. Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga for the 'handshake' on March 9 that put an end to the political turmoil following the general election last year.
Mr. Odinga also received an honorary degree in 2008 from the University of Nairobi along with former President Mwai Kibaki and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan (now deceased). The three deliveries of a power-sharing agreement that calmed tensions in Kenya as a result of the disputed 2007 polls.
Mr. Kenyatta also holds another honorary degree from Moi University awarded in 2013 "for his efforts to promote peace and unity."
The honorary doctorate of Justicia Maraga was awarded by Daystar University. The acting deputy chancellor of the institution, Professor James Kombo, said the honor was in line with the theme of the graduation ceremony: "Transforming Africa through excellence and service leadership."
and deeply honored to receive an honorary doctorate in law, "Judge Maraga later wrote. "I thank almighty God and the university for this honor."
Dr. Njoroge's award comes from Kenyatta University for his contribution "towards monetary stability in the country under difficult circumstances".
The vice chancellor of Kenyatta University, Professor Paul Wainaina said that Dr. Njoroge has proven to be a factor of change in Kenya's financial industry.
The shilling began to depreciate, initiated reforms that have strengthened and stabilized the currency, "he said.
Born in 1961 in Murang'a county to a family of teachers, Dr. Njoroge was led in the Catholic faith and today is a faithful supporter of Opus Dei, a group committed to helping people seek holiness in life.
"It is this faith that has given way to the daily life of Dr. Njoroge. and the work ethic and he won great notice of the Kenyans when he politely rejected the traps that accompany the high office of the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, that many would get drunk, "said Professor Wainaina.
Speaking after accepting the award, Dr. Njoroge said he was a little confused when he received the news of his award, adding that what convinced him to accept the honor and invitation was the opportunity to speak. With the graduate class
On the other hand, Mr. Atwoli obtained his honorary degree in labor relations from the University of Science and Technology of Masinde Muliro (Mmust), which came after having been controversially canceled last year.
The degree was in recognition of his "long service and commitment to national, regional and global international trade union leadership."
MMUST's acting deputy chancellor, Professor Joseph Bosire, said the unioni st veteran was identified by his important role as head of the labor movement in Kenya.
Mr. Atwoli recognized his brothers and sons, and specifically his first wife Jeniffer, for his role when he was climbing the heights of the labor movement.
Honorary degrees have been awarded since the fifteenth century, according to an article on the website of the University of Nairobi.
"An honorary degree is a doctorate granted to individuals who have no previous connection with the institution in question.The awarding of an honorary degree is the highest honor that any university can grant to a person," states the article.
The first registered honorific title was awarded to Lionel Woodville in the late 1470s. By Oxford University.
The University of Strathmore says in a document that details the guidelines on honorary degrees that whoever awards that honor must "have sufficient stature and recognition to ensure that the granting of an honorary title enhances Strathmore's reputation." University and the academic community as a whole.
Reported by Elvis Ondieki, Mary Wambui and Shaban Makokha
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