Engineering Board Orders Revocation of Sudi’s Honorary Doctorate Degree.
The Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) has directed Northwestern Christian University-Kenya to immediately withdraw the Honorary Doctorate Degree conferred on Kapseret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi.
This action was prompted by concerns over the misuse of the professional title “Engineer” included in the honorary degree certificate.
On Saturday, December 21, during Northwestern Christian University’s 17th graduation ceremony held at the Eldoret National Polytechnic, Sudi received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership, Administration, and Management.
The certificate also carried the title “Engineer,” which led to public criticism and formal complaints.
EBK Cites Legal Violations
In a press release issued on Monday, December 23, EBK announced that it had instructed the university to recall the degree certificate, remove the “Eng.” prefix, and issue a revised version.
The board explained that the inclusion of the title violated Sections 26(3) and 47(2) of the Engineers Act, 2011.
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These provisions explicitly reserve the use of professional engineering titles for registered Professional and Consulting Engineers.
EBK emphasized that unauthorized use of the “Eng.” title breaches the Engineers Act and undermines the credibility of the engineering profession. It also noted that such misuse is punishable under Kenyan law.
IEK President Weighs In
The controversy surrounding Sudi’s honorary degree intensified after Shammah Kiteme, President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), publicly criticized the MP’s use of the title.
Through his X account, Kiteme urged Sudi to refrain from misrepresenting himself as an engineer, highlighting the legal protections surrounding the title.
Kiteme stated that the prefix “Eng.” requires at least eight years of rigorous academic and professional training to attain.
He argued that Sudi’s use of the title disrespected the engineering profession and violated the Engineers Act.
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EBK clarified that the directive to Northwestern Christian University aims to preserve the integrity of the engineering profession.
The board reiterated that honorary degrees should not include protected professional titles unless the recipient is duly qualified and registered.
By taking this action, EBK hopes to address public concerns and uphold the standards of the engineering sector in Kenya.
Engineering Board Orders Revocation of Sudi’s Honorary Doctorate Degree.
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