President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, Professor Makau Mutua, has stirred a nationwide debate after urging the Ministry of Education to ban the use of the title “Dr.” by honorary doctorate holders.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Mutua appealed to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba to follow Ethiopia’s lead. In July 2025, Ethiopia banned honorary degree recipients from using the title “Dr.,” declaring that the distinction should be reserved only for those who have completed rigorous academic programs, research, and examinations.
Mutua warned that Kenya risks eroding the credibility of its universities and misleading the public if the government fails to regulate the use of such academic titles. “Honorary doctorates are ceremonial acknowledgments, not academic achievements. Blurring this line threatens the value of true scholarship,” he stated.
His remarks follow a string of controversies involving misuse of academic titles in Kenya. Earlier this year, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi flaunted an honorary doctorate from Northwestern Christian University–Kenya and styled himself both as “Dr.” and “Engineer.” The uproar that followed prompted the Engineering Board of Kenya to revoke his recognition, citing deception and misuse of professional credentials.
The debate has since spilled into the public arena. Some academics strongly support Mutua’s stance, saying it would help protect academic integrity. Dr. Jane Karanja, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, remarked: “Years of research, sleepless nights, and sacrifice go into earning a doctorate. It is unfair for someone to receive the same title without that process.”
However, others argue that honorary doctorates are symbols of respect and recognition of societal contributions, and stripping away the title could undermine the value of honorary awards. A section of netizens noted that in countries like the United States and the UK, honorary doctorate holders often use the title “Dr.” in social and professional settings without controversy.
Online, reactions were sharply divided. One user wrote, “Makau is right. Let’s respect real academics. Honorary degrees are not the same thing.” Another countered, “If universities give someone an honorary doctorate, they are already acknowledging them as ‘doctor’—what’s the problem?”
As the discussion rages on, Kenya finds itself at a crossroads. Should it emulate Ethiopia and ban the honorary “Dr.” title altogether, or allow cultural and institutional traditions to continue? The Ministry of Education has yet to issue a formal response, but the debate has already reignited questions about honesty, integrity, and the value of academic titles in Kenya’s public life.
