Panic has gripped leaders from the South Rift following pronouncement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that all aspirants must have a university degree.

With less than 13 months to the next General Election, several contestants for various elective seats are racing against time to acquire degree so as to be cleared.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati on Monday cited the Elections Act Section 22, which obligates all aspirants for elective offices to possess a university degree.

In a bid to beat the deadline, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of County Assembly and (MCAs) have flocked local universities to pursue degree courses.

Their efforts were, however, adversely complicated by the outbreak of Coronavirus.

In Bomet county, at least 15 MCAs and one MP are currently pursuing degree courses at the Bomet University College.

Currently, only seven MCAs out of the 35 Ward Reps have degree qualification. The 15 MCAs are all pursuing a course in communication studies.

They are expected to finish in December next year.

In an act that is likely to put the credibility of the institution to test, the MCAs are said to have struck deals with some lecturers to fast track their courses in order to beat the tough deadline.

“We have dedicated most of our time to study and we are hoping that if the elections come before we finish, the institution will get us the letters showing that we have completed the studies,” said an MCA who did not want to be named.