The Commission for University Education (CUE) has summoned former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi to substantiate allegations that Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology issued degrees to individuals who were never formally admitted.
The summons follows remarks Kituyi made during a radio interview on March 31, 2026, where he claimed that certain names appearing on a graduation list did not belong to registered students. He described the situation as evidence of deep-rooted institutional failures within Kenya’s higher education system, raising alarm over the credibility of academic qualifications.
CUE has since launched investigations into the matter and directed Kituyi to appear before the commission between April 20 and April 24, 2026, to provide supporting evidence. The regulator noted that it had initially reached out to him earlier in April but received no response, prompting a formal summons.
In response, Masinde Muliro University has firmly denied the allegations, maintaining that all its graduates undergo a strict and transparent academic process. The institution emphasized that admissions, examinations, and graduations are conducted under established guidelines and approved by the university senate.
The unfolding dispute has sparked nationwide debate on the integrity of Kenya’s university system. If the claims are proven, authorities warn that those responsible could face serious legal and regulatory consequences, potentially shaking public trust in higher education institutions.
The summons follows remarks Kituyi made during a radio interview on March 31, 2026, where he claimed that certain names appearing on a graduation list did not belong to registered students. He described the situation as evidence of deep-rooted institutional failures within Kenya’s higher education system, raising alarm over the credibility of academic qualifications.
CUE has since launched investigations into the matter and directed Kituyi to appear before the commission between April 20 and April 24, 2026, to provide supporting evidence. The regulator noted that it had initially reached out to him earlier in April but received no response, prompting a formal summons.
In response, Masinde Muliro University has firmly denied the allegations, maintaining that all its graduates undergo a strict and transparent academic process. The institution emphasized that admissions, examinations, and graduations are conducted under established guidelines and approved by the university senate.
The unfolding dispute has sparked nationwide debate on the integrity of Kenya’s university system. If the claims are proven, authorities warn that those responsible could face serious legal and regulatory consequences, potentially shaking public trust in higher education institutions.
