Kenyan court examines Kenneth Lusaka honorary doctorate
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kenyans.co.ke
The Federation of Consumers of Kenya has gone to the High Court to challenge Kibabii University’s planned honorary doctorate for Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka. The ceremony is scheduled for 20 November, while the group is seeking explanations about the selection and compliance with university rules, according to its secretary-general Stephen Mutoro.
Kenya’s High Court is examining a challenge by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK), a consumer rights organisation, to Kibabii University’s planned honorary doctorate for Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka. The court declared the case urgent and ordered that the petition be served on the parties within three days, according to COFEK Secretary-General Stephen Mutoro, quoted by Kenyans.co.ke.
COFEK is asking, among other things, whether the distinction is an independent academic honour or is linked to Kenneth Lusaka’s position as governor. It is also challenging the selection process and wants to verify compliance with the guidelines of the Commission for University Education (CUE), which require an objective and fair choice, according to Stephen Mutoro.
Kibabii University plans to confer a Doctor of Humane Letters on Kenneth Lusaka at its 11th graduation ceremony on 20 November. The institution presents the distinction as recognition of his contributions to public service, devolved governance, education, institutional development and environmental protection. The hearing on the petition is scheduled for 12 November, and the parties have five days to respond after it is served.
