This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On June 21, 2019, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) held its graduation ceremony, awarding 118 PhDs. However, the Commission for University Education (CUE) later faulted the institution for the high number of doctorate degrees awarded.
According to a report released by CUE on Tuesday, glaring irregularities were noted in the award of the PhDs. The audit observed that many of the supervisors were carrying a supervision load that is beyond the recommended threshold of 3 PhDs and 5 Masters in any given academic year.
JKUAT administration has finally broken its silence on the matter, releasing a statement on Wednesday. The institution dismissed media reports that the 118 doctorate degrees were suspended by the commission.
JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi stated, 'All degrees of the University are meritoriously earned and no student is allowed to graduate without going through the due process regarding coursework, seminars, original research external examination and publications.'
Prof. Ngumi further stated that the Dean's committee is studying the report from CUE and will present its findings to the university Senate for consideration and implementation. A Senate report will then be forwarded to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education and CEO CUE within three months as per the recommendations of the report.
