Honorary degrees: Clear selection criteria crucial

In academia, honorary degrees (honoris causa) are prestigious accolades awarded to individuals whose exceptional contributions transcend formal education. These degrees symbolise universities’ recognition of outstanding achievements in leadership, arts, science, and philanthropy.

Kenyan universities continue to honour individuals who have made remarkable societal contributions by awarding honorary degrees. Justice Martha Koome, Kenya’s first female Chief Justice, received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Nairobi for her judicial reforms and advocacy for gender equity. Kenyatta University recognised Dr Manu Chandaria with an honorary doctorate for his philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Most recently, the University of Eldoret conferred on Faith Kipyegon an honorary doctorate in education for her exceptional achievements in athletics, and the list is growing.

The concept of an honorary degree is often misunderstood, even within academic circles. Unlike traditional degrees earned through rigorous study, examinations, and residency, an honorary degree is bestowed “for the sake of the honour” — a tradition rooted in Latin phrases honoris causa or ad honorem. Typically awarded as doctorates but occasionally extending to masters or undergraduate degrees, these accolades recognise exceptional contributions to society or a specific field.

Honorary degrees are often tailored to the nature of the achievements they recognise. For example, LL.D. is commonly awarded to leaders in governance, justice, and public service, while D.Litt. celebrates excellence in literature, humanities, and arts. Similarly, D.Sc. honours contributions to scientific research and innovation, and the D.H.L. recognises achievements in social justice and philanthropy.

The awarding of honorary degrees is guided by each university’s policies, which outline eligible degrees and the administrative procedures involved. Typically, a selection committee, often comprising professors, receives and reviews proposals before shortlisting candidates. This meticulous process includes public vetting through announcements in local newspapers and the university website, to capture any dissenting voices.

Recommendations from faculty, governing bodies, and the public further ensure that honorees embody the institution’s values and mission and are approved by the university senate and ratified by the council. The degree, typically conferred at a graduation ceremony, is limited to one recipient annually. Posthumous awards are granted only if the honoree passes away after selection but before the ceremony.

The conferment of honorary degrees, while prestigious, has not been free from criticism, particularly regarding the use of the title “Dr” by doctorate recipients. Titles hold significant weight in Kenya, and misuse can erode trust. Ethical guidelines recommend that recipients clarify their honorary status, such as using “Dr (Hon)” or restricting the title’s use to ceremonial contexts. Honorees must be guided that using honorary degrees to sort employment, teach or supervise students is inappropriate and tantamount to academic conmanship.

In Kenya, awards have sometimes drawn accusations of favouritism and lack of merit, e.g. Kenya’s State commendations – orders, decorations and medals. National awards such as M.G.H, C.B.S., E.B.S., M.B.S., O.G.W are supposed to be awarded in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services. How could ‘Githeri Man’ – who was photographed queuing to vote while eating ‘githeri’ (a mixture of cooked maize and beans) during the 2017 general election – be decorated, yet a vice-chancellor who has successfully led a university, shaping academic policies and enhancing national development through education is not?

To maintain their prestige, Kenyan universities must implement transparent selection criteria that are above board and hard to challenge. By prioritising integrity, honorary degrees can continue to celebrate excellence without compromising the significance of academic qualifications.

— The writer is a Professor of physical chemistry at the University of Eldoret