Why Kenya needs to enact an honorary degree policy to tame rogue awards

Honorary degrees are outstanding academic awards granted by universities to people in recognition of their contributions to society, exceptional achievements, or impact in various fields without requiring the recipient to meet the traditional academic requirements.

Currently, there is no clear policy surrounding awarding honorary degrees, as we have only weak university guidelines that have abused and diluted the prestige and meaning of honorary doctoral honors.

Is this the time to develop a robust honorary degree policy in Kenya to guide our universities?

What should it contain?

First, the policy should empower the Commission of University Education (CUE) to have a representative in dealing with honorary degree awards in Kenya. This will give CUE the power to oversee the award process rather than leaving it solely to academic institutions, thus preserving its integrity. In addition, it will ensure that universities establish clear criteria to ensure that only deserving individuals receive these honors and reduce public skepticism about the credibility of these awards and the universities that grant them.

Second, the new policy should align honorary awards with international standards and practice. Honorary degrees are awarded following rigorous processes and

criteria by focusing on extraordinary contributions to academia, public service, or innovation globally. Kenyan universities need clear guidelines to define what constitutes "exceptional contributions" and create a transparent selection process to enhance the legitimacy of honorary degrees.

Third, political influence is today's biggest challenge in awarding honorary degrees in Kenyan universities. In many instances, people with political clout or affiliations have been awarded honorary degrees despite lacking significant achievements in academia, public service, or innovation, thus eroding public trust and undermining the value of honorable degrees. This new policy should ensure honorary degrees are awarded on merit only. The policy must have clear criteria for awarding honorary degrees to encourage individuals in various fields to strive for excellence, knowing that prestigious institutions may recognize their efforts.

Fourth, the new policy should address the perennial problems of corruption, favoritism, nepotism, and inadequate transparency in the selection process, which has tainted the perception of honorary degrees in Kenyan universities. In addition, the policy should have a transparent nomination process and evidence-based public participation guided by CUE. CUE involvement should restore public confidence in the integrity of honorary degrees, thus reducing political expediency.

Fifth, the new policy should ensure that their honorary degrees carry weight and respect locally and globally. In addition, we shall strengthen our Kenyan universities as institutions of excellence and attract more students, grants, and collaborations.

Finally, the policy should have a clause that exempts active politicians until they retire from active politics to be awarded these degrees. While politicians' contributions may be significant, they should be awarded as they will reduce political influence and focus more on individuals in science, technology, the arts, and grassroots activism who have made equally impactful contributions(s).

A robust policy will ensure their honorary degrees regain the prestige and respect they deserve. It will not only elevate the reputation of the universities but also inspire more outstanding societal contributions, foster a culture of innovation and excellence, and free these degrees from politicians who want to cash in on the title "Dr".

Odhiambo, Ph.D., teaches Actuarial Science at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST)