The Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) has ordered Northwestern Christian University-Kenya to immediately withdraw an honorary doctorate degree awarded to Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, citing improper use of the protected “Engineer” title on the certificate.
The @EngineersBoard has issued a public statement addressing the misuse of the protected title "Engineer."
— Engineers Board of Kenya (@EngineersBoard) December 23, 2024
Find attached the statement. #EngineeringProfessionalism@TransportKE@Roads_KE@EngEKMwongera@Eng_MaggieOgai@TheIEK@ACEK1968 pic.twitter.com/t5TnMSYfvM
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Controversy Over Honorary Degree
The controversy emerged after Sudi received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership, Administration and Management during the university’s 17th graduation ceremony at Eldoret National Polytechnic on Saturday, December 21.
The certificate incorrectly included the title “Eng.,” prompting immediate backlash from engineering professionals and the public.
Regulatory Violation and Legal Framework
In a statement released Monday, December 23, the EBK emphasized that the use of “Eng.” violated key provisions of the Engineers Act, 2011.
“Under Sections 26 (1) and (2) of the Engineers Act, 2011, the use of the style and title ‘Eng.’ is reserved for Professional and Consulting Engineers who are registered by the Board,” the EBK statement explained.
The board has directed the university to issue a corrected version of the certificate without the engineering title.
Professional Response
Engineer Shammah Kiteme, President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), publicly criticized the misuse of the title on social media platform X.
“Please note that the prefix ‘Eng.’ before anyone’s name is protected by law under the Engineers Act, 2011. It takes at least eight years of hard work to earn it,” Kiteme stated, adding that Sudi’s use of the title was “disrespectful.”
Legal Implications
The unauthorized use of the engineering title is considered a serious offense under Kenyan law. According to the EBK,
“Unauthorised use of this title undermines the integrity of the engineering profession and is a punishable offence under the Kenyan Constitution.”
Sections 26(3) and 47(2) of the Engineers Act, 2011, specifically prohibit unregistered individuals from using professional engineering titles.
