Engineers Board demands Sudi's honorary degree recalled over title misuse

The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) now wants Northwestern Christian University Kenya to recall the honorary degree certificate issued to Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi.  

In a statement, EBK Chief Executive Officer Margaret Ogai said they had received several public complaints about the use of the engineering title "Eng." on the certificate.  

The Board has taken swift action by writing to the university and relevant authorities. Northwestern Christian University Kenya has been advised to recall the honorary degree certificate, remove the title 'Eng.' from the document, and issue a corrected version," Eng. Ogai said.  

Ogai stated that the title "Eng." is legally protected under the Engineers Act, 2011, and its misuse is punishable. She clarified that only registered professional and consulting engineers are authorised to use the title.  

"The inclusion of the title 'Eng.' in this context is unauthorised and constitutes a breach of Sections 26(3) and 47(2) of the Engineers Act, 2011. These provisions prohibit the use of professional engineering titles by unregistered individuals and prescribe penalties for such violations," she said.  

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Sudi was awarded the honorary degree during the institution's 17th graduation ceremony on December 21. 

The event sparked widespread criticism, particularly from the engineering fraternity.  

Shammah Kiteme, President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya, criticised Sudi on social media, saying: "Please note that the title 'Eng.' is protected by law under the Engineers Act, 2011. It takes at least eight years of hard work to earn it. Sudi, please stop this disrespectful use of a title you haven’t earned."  

Sudi, who was acquitted six months ago of forgery charges related to academic papers, received the honorary degree in Leadership, Administration, and Management. 

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Sirisia MP John Waluke were also awarded honorary degrees in Leadership and Governance and Public Administration and Political Science, respectively, during the ceremony.  

The occasion further raised eyebrows by featuring former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri as the chief guest—a role traditionally reserved for distinguished academicians or senior officials from the Ministry of Education.  

Honorary degrees are typically awarded by universities as recognition for exceptional contributions to society or outstanding accomplishments in various fields. However, they do not confer professional titles or credentials.