Why RUTO's senior advisor Prof. MAKAU MUTUA wants honorary doctorate holders barred from using the title 'Dr.'

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Professor Makau Mutua, has ignited debate after urging Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba to prohibit holders of honorary doctorates from using the title “Dr.” in Kenya.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on October 1^st, 2025, Mutua cited Ethiopia’s July 2025 decision to ban the use of the title by honorary degree recipients, arguing that academic titles should reflect years of rigorous study and research, not ceremonial recognition.

He warned that allowing honorary degree holders to adopt the title “Dr.” risks misleading the public and undermining the credibility of Kenya’s academic institutions.

Mutua called on the Ministry of Education to issue clear regulations that preserve the distinction between earned and honorary degrees.

His remarks follow recent controversy involving controversial Kapseret MP, Oscar Sudi, whose honorary doctorate from Northwestern Christian University-Kenya was revoked by the Engineering Board of Kenya after public complaints over misuse of the title “Engineer.”

Mutua emphasized that protecting academic integrity is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring that scholarly achievements are not diluted by ceremonial honors.

The Kenyan DAILY POST