By Peter Sagini
Having a degree is a prerequisite in Kenya if you intend to run for a gubernatorial seat or the presidency. Other political positions-like a member of the county assembly (MCA) don’t demand as much although this would have changed if the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) see the light of day. Cases of governors facing legal cases and questions over their academic credentials were in vogue just after the 2017 general elections. This writer takes a look at the top ten most educated politicians in Kenya and the academic dwarfs.
Most Educated
Professor Kivutha Kibwana
Prof. Kivutha attended his ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels at Machakos School. After completing high school, he joined the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Law. After graduating with Upper Second Class honors, he immediately pursued masters of Law in two universities (Harvard University and the University of London). He holds a doctorate of Law from George Washington University. To top it all, he also has a Master’s degree in theological studies. He is the current governor of Makueni county.
Professor Kithure Kindiki
Prof. Kindiki graduated from Moi University with a Law degree and a Master’s of Law. He later obtained a Ph.D. in Law at the University of Pretoria. Professor Kindiki is the current Senator of Tharaka Nithi County.
Professor Anyang Nyongo
Prof. Anyang Nyongo, who is the current governor of Kisumu county, obtained his Bachelor’s degree in political science (First class honors) at Makerere University. He proceeded to the United States to acquire a Ph.D. and a Master’s in political science at the University of Chicago.
Professor Awuor Ochieng
Prof. Awuor holds a bachelor of Education (Arts) and a Master of Business Administration from Kenyatta University. She obtained her Ph.D. in Business Administration from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Professor Hellen Sambili
Professor Hellen obtained her Bachelor in Education (Science) from the University of Nairobi. She also holds a Ph.D. and a Master in Education from Lancaster University (United Kingdom). She is a former member of parliament for Mogotio constituency.
Professor Paul Chepkwony
Prof. Paul obtained his Bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). He also holds a Master in Chemistry at the University of Nairobi. Prof. Paul is the former governor for Kericho County, he is now a senior lecturer and Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Eldoret.
Professor John Lenyangapuo
Professor Lenyangapuo holds a bachelor of science in Pure Mathematics from Egerton University. He also has a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Leeds (United Kingdom). He is currently a governor for West Pokot.
Professor Zadok Ogutu
Prof. Zadoc Ogutu is a member of parliament for Bomachoge Borabu constituency. He holds an undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Nairobi. Professor Zadoc also holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Biogeography from the University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom) and the University of Toronto (Canada), respectively.
Professor Malulu Injendi
Hon. Injendi is the current member of parliament for Malava constituency. He obtained his undergraduate degree in arts (Economics and Sociology) from Egerton University. He further proceeded to acquire his Master of Arts (Sociology) from the University of Nairobi. Hon. Injendi is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (South Africa).
Dr. William Ruto
Hon. William attended his secondary studies at Wareng Secondary (for his O- Levels) and Kapsabet High School (for his A-Levels). He then later joined the University of Nairobi for a bachelor of science (Botany and Zoology). Dr. William holds a Master of Science Degree in Plant Ecology and a Ph. D in Biological science from the University of Nairobi.
Least Educated
Johnson Sakaja
Nairobi senator Johnson Sakaja was outed by ex-Nairobi Governor for failing to graduate after failing seven units while pursuing his undergraduate. According to Kidero, the senator did not resit the units and that’s why he bowed out of the gubernatorial race in 2017.
Also Read: Johnson Sakaja Biography, Age, Education, Career, Family and Awards
The following politicians hold diplomas;
- Simba Arati– He is a member of parliament for Dagoretti North. He holds a diploma in Tourism Management from the Kenya Polytechnic University College.
- Jane Wanjuki– She is a member of parliament for Embu constituency. She holds an advanced diploma in management, sales and marketing, and public relations from Kenya Management and Training Institute (KMTI).
- Geoffrey Omuse– He is a member of parliament for Teso South. He holds a diploma in business management from Gretsa University.
The following politicians hold certificates;
- Ibrahim Sahal– She is a nominated member of parliament. She holds a certificate obtained from the National Democratic Institute.
- Teyiaa Janet– She is a member of parliament for Kajiado constituency. She holds an Accountancy Technician Certificate from an unknown institution.
Figures with controversial academic backgrounds
- Ali Hassan Joho
- Ferdinand Waititu
- Oscar Sudi
- Johnson Muthama
- Abdi Mohamud Mohamed
