Makau Mutua Pushes for Ban on ‘Dr.’ Title for Honorary Degree Holders in Kenya
Makau Mutua, President William Ruto’s senior advisor, has kicked off a new debate after calling for a ban on holders of honorary doctorates in Kenya from using the title “Dr.”
Posting on his X account, Mutua cited Ethiopia’s recent reforms where the country banned honorary degree recipients from using the title. He asked Education Cabinet Secretary CS Migos Ogamba to introduce similar measures, saying Kenya must act to protect academic integrity.
“In July 2025, Ethiopia banned those with honorary doctorates from using the title ‘Dr.’ and restricted how universities can confer them. This is key in protecting academic credibility and separating earned titles from honorary recognition. Kenya must follow suit,” wrote Mutua.
If implemented, the proposal will affect a long list of high-profile Kenyans who have been awarded honorary doctorates in recent years. Among them are Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Honorary degrees are the highest form of recognition universities can give to individuals, usually during graduation ceremonies. They are awarded to people who have made significant contributions in their fields or society at large even though they have not completed the academic requirements of doctoral programs.
Supporters see honorary doctorates as a way of honouring excellence and achievement but critics argue that allowing recipients to use the “Dr.” title undermines the value of hard-earned academic qualifications.
Mutua’s remarks have now reignited the long-standing debate in Kenya on whether honorary awards should come with restrictions to protect the distinction of formal academic achievements.
Also Read: Kenya to Phase Out Paper Degrees in Favour of Digital Verifiable Credentials
Makau Mutua Pushes for Ban on ‘Dr.’ Title for Honorary Degree Holders in Kenya