Ali Hassan Joho, the former governor of Mombasa County and current nominee for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime affairs Cabinet Secretary, appeared before the National Assembly for vetting, where he candidly discussed his academic journey and future educational aspirations.
Also read: Economy Can Function Without Finance Bill, Says John Mbadi
Joho was being vetted by the Committee on Appointments of the National Assembly after President William Ruto nominated members to the new cabinet that included members of the opposition party ODM.
During the proceedings, Joho addressed longstanding criticisms about his academic performance, particularly the D- grade he received in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
The former governor provided context for his educational struggles, citing financial hardships that impacted his early schooling. Joho explained, shedding light on the economic challenges that affected his academic progress,
“I had to take a break for one year to transition from primary to secondary school simply because my parents could not afford school fees.”
Despite acknowledging his poor performance in secondary school, Joho emphasized his subsequent educational achievements and ongoing pursuit of higher learning.
He revealed that he currently holds two bachelor’s degrees and is actively working towards a master’s degree at Kennedy School, which he referred to as “the most prestigious university in the world.”
Joho’s academic disclosures came in response to concerns raised by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who suggested that many Kenyans doubted the nominee’s ability to handle complex questions during the vetting process.
“You’ll Call Me Dr. Hassan. Watch This Space”
Addressing these doubts head-on, Joho stated,
“I did not do well in my secondary education. I got a D-, no doubt but I turned that around. Today, as I sit here, I hold two degrees that are before you.”
The former governor then surprised the vetting committee by announcing his intentions to pursue a doctoral degree, declaring,
“If you approve me, in the next vetting, you should be able to see a PhD holder. You will call me Dr. Hassan. Watch this space.”
This bold statement not only showcased Joho’s determination to continue his educational journey but also served as a rebuttal to those questioning his intellectual capabilities.
By outlining his academic progression from a struggling secondary school student to a potential future PhD holder, Joho aimed to demonstrate his commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.
