Engineering Board Orders Withdrawal of Oscar Sudi’s Honorary Doctorate Degree

Engineering Board Orders Withdrawal of Oscar Sudi’s Honorary Doctorate Degree

The Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) has taken swift action to address a growing controversy involving Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi. The board directed Northwestern Christian University-Kenya to immediately withdraw the honorary doctorate degree that had been conferred upon Sudi during a graduation ceremony on December 21, 2024. The degree had been awarded with the title "Engineer" attached to it, sparking public outrage and raising serious concerns over the misuse of professional titles.

The controversy erupted following the university’s graduation ceremony, which took place at the Eldoret National Polytechnic, where Sudi was honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership, Administration, and Management. The title "Eng." was included on the degree certificate, causing an uproar among professional bodies, particularly the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), and members of the public who took issue with the use of a professional engineering title in the context of an honorary degree.

EBK’s Action and Legal Framework

The Engineering Board of Kenya responded to the situation by issuing a public statement on December 23, 2024. In the statement, the EBK clarified that the use of the "Eng." title is strictly regulated under the Engineers Act, 2011. According to the Act, only professional engineers who are duly registered with the EBK are permitted to use the title "Eng." as a prefix to their names. The law stipulates that individuals must undergo years of rigorous training and professional development to qualify for registration as engineers. This includes acquiring an accredited engineering degree, gaining relevant work experience, and passing exams set by the EBK.

The inclusion of the "Eng." title on Sudi's honorary degree was deemed a violation of Sections 26(1) and 26(3) of the Engineers Act, 2011, which reserve the use of the title for registered engineers. The EBK emphasized that unauthorized use of the engineering title not only undermines the integrity of the engineering profession but is also punishable under Kenyan law. 

"The Engineers Act, 2011, protects the title 'Eng.' from misuse," the Board stated. "The title is reserved for individuals who have fulfilled the necessary academic and professional requirements. It is important that the public and institutions respect these legal provisions to preserve the credibility of the engineering profession."

Public Backlash and Criticism

The controversy gained further momentum when Engineer Shammah Kiteme, the President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, publicly criticized the decision to confer the "Eng." title on Sudi. Kiteme took to social media, urging the Kapseret MP to desist from using a title that he had not earned. He pointed out that the prefix "Eng." is legally protected, and it takes years of hard work and formal education to rightfully hold that designation.

"Please note that the prefix 'Eng.' before anyone’s name is protected by law under the Engineers Act, 2011," Kiteme wrote on his X account. "It takes at least eight years of hard work to earn it. Oscar Sudi, please stop this disrespectful use of a title you have not earned."

Kiteme’s statement struck a chord with many Kenyans who were equally concerned about the misuse of professional titles. The uproar highlighted a broader issue in the country regarding the granting of honorary degrees and the potential for such titles to be misused by individuals without the requisite qualifications or experience.

The University’s Response

In response to the EBK’s directive, Northwestern Christian University-Kenya pledged to comply with the order to withdraw the degree and issue a corrected version of the certificate without the "Eng." prefix. The university, which is not among the most established institutions in the country, has faced increased scrutiny over its academic practices, particularly regarding the awarding of honorary degrees.

While honorary degrees are typically conferred to individuals who have made significant contributions to society in areas such as politics, business, and the arts, the inclusion of a professional title like "Engineer" in this context was seen as highly inappropriate. The university has yet to make a public statement on the specifics of why the engineering title was included, but the controversy has raised questions about the vetting processes for honorary degrees.

Implications for the Engineering Profession

The decision to rescind the honorary degree has broader implications for the integrity of the engineering profession in Kenya. The Engineers Act of 2011 was introduced to regulate the profession and ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice as engineers. The law provides clear guidelines on the qualifications required to earn the "Eng." title, and its violation is considered a serious offense.

For many in the engineering community, the controversy surrounding Sudi’s honorary degree is more than just an isolated incident. It represents a potential erosion of standards and respect for professional titles that are earned through years of dedication and expertise. By allowing individuals without the proper qualifications to adopt such titles, the credibility of the entire profession could be undermined, leading to public mistrust.

Political Dimensions of the Issue

The issue also has political undertones, as Oscar Sudi is a prominent political figure in Kenya. Known for his outspoken views and support for President William Ruto, Sudi’s involvement in the controversy has led to mixed reactions. Some of his supporters argue that the backlash is politically motivated and aimed at discrediting him, while others believe that the issue transcends politics and is about upholding professional standards.

As the controversy continues to unfold, many are closely watching how the legal and professional bodies in Kenya will handle the situation. It remains to be seen whether further action will be taken against the university or other individuals involved in the issuance of the honorary degree.

Conclusion

The Engineering Board of Kenya’s intervention in the matter of Oscar Sudi’s honorary doctorate serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards and respecting professional titles. The situation highlights the need for stricter oversight and accountability in the awarding of honorary degrees, as well as a renewed commitment to protecting the integrity of professions like engineering. As the debate continues, it is clear that the misuse of professional titles is a matter that cannot be ignored, and it underscores the need for vigilance in upholding both legal and ethical standards in education and professional practice.