University of Eastern Africa, Baraton Confers Honorary Doctorate on President William Samoei Ruto
By Dr. Nathan Gitonga, UEAB Media
Baraton, August 18, 2024: This morning, His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters in Leadership, Honoris Causa. The distinction has been granted by the institution through its Statute XXIII, paragraph 3, upon the recommendation of Senate and approval by the University Council.
The honorary degree was bequeathed by the university’s Chancellor, Dr. Blasious Ruguri, who also serves as the President of the East-Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The citation describing the remarkable achievements of Dr. Ruto was read by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Jackson Mmamba Msafiri, PhD, which hit home just how momentous this was.
In his acceptance speech, President Ruto made a stunning declaration: this was the first time he had accepted an honorary degree from any university in the world. He explained that what made him accept the honor was due to what the University of Eastern Africa stands for, particularly in terms of its commitment to the promotion of Christian Education and encouragement of holistic development with values-based leadership. According to President Ruto, these are the principles that align with his vision for Kenya and his commitment to serving humanity.
Dr. Ruto was such a deserving recipient of this honor, considering the long and distinguished career that has been marked by exceptional achievements and a firm commitment to public service. Right from when he was a youth leader, it was quite extraordinary how Dr. Ruto rose through the ranks in the political landscape of Kenya. His service as the Member of Parliament for Eldoret North Constituency from 1997 to 2012 and then as Deputy President from 2013 to 2022 set the stage for his election as the Fifth President of Kenya.
In the course of his career, Dr. Ruto has demonstrated a resilience of character, courage, and relentless work ethic. The impact has been felt from all sectors, most notably during his stint as Minister for Education, where he not only cleared the backlog of students awaiting university admission but also made sure the institutions upheld higher standards of education. In his powerful but short tenure at the Ministry of Agriculture, he introduced a subsidized fertilizer program that reduced the exorbitant cost of maize, Kenya’s staple food, and helped the country forestall the emerging food crisis.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ruto, his presidency has been instrumental in changing Kenya both economically, socially, and politically. Multiple interventions in agricultural innovations and the power of youth empowerment have made a difference in many lives, while commitment to humanitarian efforts serves to better the lives of the disadvantaged. Of importance, it is the Hustler Fund whose initiative gives a lifeline to small and medium enterprises. It has enabled close to 22 million Kenyans to access affordable credit and mobilized savings of more than Ksh 3 billion.
Integrity, transparency, and open governance characterize the commitment of Dr. Ruto, setting the benchmark for effective leadership not only in Kenya but beyond. His many philanthropic efforts toward the development of churches and faith-based organizations go to prove how greatly he looks out for the welfare of his people.
These overwhelming reasons make the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, under the leadership of the Chancellor, Dr. Blasious Ruguri, confer upon Dr. Ruto the honorary doctorate as appreciation for his overwhelming contribution toward the dispensation of exemplary leadership and selfless service to humankind. A Doctor of Humane Letters in Leadership, Honoris Causa, shall remain as a befitting testimony and encouragement toward the legacy of Dr. Ruto and future leaders to emulate his sterling values and huge accomplishments.
This milestone in the illustrious career of Dr. Ruto becomes one of the outstanding celebrations to the university community and the nation at large, inspiring the people of Kenya.