Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka is Kibabii University’s proposed honorary doctorate recipient.
The consumer lobby questions Kibabii University’s selection process as it prepares to honour the Bungoma governor on November 20.
The planned Lusaka honorary degree at Kibabii University faces a High Court challenge from the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK). The lobby questions the process behind the proposed recognition of Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka.
Kibabii plans to confer a Doctor of Humane Letters on Lusaka during its 11th graduation ceremony on November 20, 2026. However, COFEK wants the court to examine whether the award represents an independent academic honour or a benefit linked to his office.
COFEK questions Lusaka honorary degree process
In its petition, the federation seeks clarity on how the university selected Lusaka for the award. It also questions whether Kibabii followed Commission for University Education guidelines requiring objective and fair selection.
COFEK Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said Justice Emily Ominde had certified the matter as urgent. The court directed service of the petition on the respondents within three days, giving them five days to respond.
Mutoro also said the court scheduled a mention for November 12, eight days before the planned graduation ceremony.
The federation maintains that it does not oppose recognising leaders for their contributions. Instead, its concerns centre on the process, timing and relationship surrounding the proposed award to a sitting governor.
Kibabii cites public service and institutional growth
Meanwhile, Kibabii University’s notice cites Lusaka’s contributions to public service, devolved governance, education, institutional development and environmental conservation. Its citation also credits his role in the institution’s growth and its acquisition of a charter in 2015.
The university says Lusaka supported the development of its Bachelor of Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Management programme. These contributions form part of its case for awarding him the honorary doctorate.
In addition, the notice states that the University Senate recommended the award with the University Council’s consent. It cites Section 9(1)(c) of the Kibabii University Charter, 2015, alongside Statute XLIV, Section 1(ix) of its 2021 statutes.
The proposed recognition is an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, designated DHumLitt, Honoris Causa.
