Its Dr. William Ruto now: Deputy President graduates with a PhD

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday added yet another title – ‘Doctor’ – to his name after graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Plant Ecology at the University of Nairobi (UoN).

The DP’s graduation comes six years since he enrolled for the course at UoN in August 2012.

Ruto submitted his thesis – titled ‘Influence of human activities on land use changes on environmental quality of riparian ecosystems: A case study of Saiwa Swamp watershed, Western Kenya’ – in September this year.

He did not make it to the graduation list two years ago after he failed to meet the necessary requirements.

On Friday, however, he was finally conferred the title of ‘Dr’ alongside five others, whose names were approved by the Nairobi University senate, chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mbithi.

He already has a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology and a Master’s degree in Plant Ecology.

DP Ruto has also published his work in two renowned journals – the International Journal of Research in Environmental Science and the Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution – as required by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Incidentally, his long-awaited graduation – which was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta – comes as a triple celebration as it coincides with his birthday as well as wedding anniversary.

The DP was born on December 21, 1966 and is now 52-years-old. He is also celebrating 27 years of marriage to his wife Rachel Ruto.