This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On June 21, 2019, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) awarded 118 PhD degrees, sparking concerns over the institution's adherence to academic standards.
Following an investigation by the Commission for University Education (CUE), JKUAT has finally submitted a report detailing the procedures followed in awarding these PhDs.
According to CUE chief executive officer Mwenda Ntarangwi, the report will be studied and the university advised accordingly.
‘We had demands that we put to the university to fulfil and we will be looking at them in the coming days,’ Prof Ntarangwi told Nation in an interview.
However, Prof Ntarangwi declined to reveal the contents of the report, citing the need for the university to address the concerns raised.
It is worth noting that the CUE investigation was launched after the university awarded a total of 327 PhD degrees and 2,101 master’s degrees during the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd graduation ceremonies held between June 2018, November 2018, and June 2019.
The report revealed poor monitoring of students’ progress during PhD training and non-adherence to the University Statutes in several areas, including the allocation of supervisors, constitution of Board of Examiners, conduct of student seminar presentations, and evidence of supervision.
JKUAT Vice Chancellor Victoria Ngumi defended the institution, stating that all degrees are meritoriously earned and that no student is allowed to graduate without going through the due process.
