University degree may not be essential for political leadership

By Kilemi Mwiria

Even though I supported the degree requirement for MPs, I appreciate the stand of those who did not. In most of Africa, politicians possessing higher educational qualifications have been as disappointing (and sometimes more so) than those without degrees with regard to economic performance and adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law. They have neither been less corrupt or less autocratic than their non-degreed colleagues.

In Kenya, the list of exemplary politicians without degrees is long and includes the likes of Tom Mboya, Martin Shikuku, and Kalembe Ndile, while there have been professors and PhD holders who have made little impact in politics. 

Theoretical academic knowledge can also be less useful than more practical worldly experience. Nor is any degree (e.g. in hair dressing) good for leadership. It also matters what one has done with the degree.

Moreover, you may recall many talented colleagues who could not make it to university for reasons related to poverty, indiscipline or too creative for teachers who favoured the unquestioning types. Some of these unlucky Kenyans have contributed to the country’s development than their degreed counterparts in business and in academia by authoring books used in our schools.

But there are equally compelling reasons for asking for university education of all national leaders; not just the President, governor, and senator. MPs will be required to vet applicants for the top national jobs; all these jobs will require a minimum of a degree.

With the new Constitution, MPs’ main role will be scrutinising and passing Bills. They will continue to interact with officials of NGOs and other donors where higher education could build confidence. As the world becomes more of a global village, they will equally be expected to cope.

Our politicians should lead by example as they call on their constituents to go to school.  Vision 2030 will only be achieved with a highly educated national population and constituents cannot compete for emerging national opportunities if not well equipped with relevant educational skills.

I have not known MPs who do not invest time and money in the education of their constituents. The MP is a leader in a constituency where university-educated persons lead most sectors, while even chiefs are enrolling for university education.

In any case, Kenyans (the majority without degrees) would like their leaders to be university educated. The argument about limited opportunities for university education no longer sells with universities all over the place and many of those who missed out on a university education trooping to university in old age; it cannot be for nothing. And there are far too many degree holders in all Kenyan constituencies, many jobless.

The first amendment by MPs on the degree requirement was considerate and well intentioned, as it required degree qualifications beginning 2017; it gave aspirants time to attain the degree.

If revisited, an additional consideration would be to include a clause that recognises qualifications that are equal or superior to a university degree as long as there is an objective and professional way of evaluating such credentials.

Individual wealth should not be enough to make one an MP. Nor should it be simply about the people’s choice, for the majority can do with some guidance on the minimum acceptable standards.

The writer is MP for Tigania West and Assistant Minister Higher Education, Science and Technology