Don't drag our institutions into political games

Nairobi senator Johnston Sakaja, at Milimani law court for a case concerning his education papers. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

Education makes individuals think rationally, independently and forward-looking. In a society, education makes a people interact freely, fairly and with decorum. Education is one of the most important aspects of nation-building.

In medieval times, before civilisation, most communities used warfare to settle scores, fight for resources and finally arrive at a point of mutual respect. Today, children go to school, to among others, learn how to relate with each other.

If you ignore education, you risk exposing citizens to resort to voodoo to solve problems confronting them while the rest of the world is using logic and reason. All progressive societies invest heavily in education and reap maximum benefits and their countries’ GDP is solely dependent on knowledge industry since they lack natural resources.

Undermining a country’s education is akin to cutting the roots of its institutions and inviting an irredeemably bleak future. Kenya’s education sector has grown in leaps and bounds. From the colonial era to today, our learning institutions have earned a reputation of providing brilliant minds.

Our universities in particular, have won international accolades for academic excellence and ground-breaking innovations and research. This has taken painstaking commitment, hard work and adherence to global standards. This would explain many a Kenyan children’s desire to join any of our reputable public and private universities.

It is often a moment of great pride and honour when one graduates from university as their parents, siblings, relatives and friends bask in the ceremony. We must not let that honour be defiled!

The current debate on the requirement for a credible degree certificate for all president and governor candidates must be looked at soberly, without fear or favour. If the drafters of the Constitution found wisdom in holders of the two offices to have studied up to university, the rule should be applied to all. There should be no grey areas or some candidates being treated differently.

The Commission for University Education (CUE) should certify all degree certificates presented to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) while clearing the aspirants. It is unfortunate that some aspirants have engaged the CUE in a ping pong game and even questioned their integrity.

No self-respecting Kenyan should use the CUE to fight their political battles. If aggrieved, the aspirants should take their grievances to the corridors of justice. Making public remarks on the matter will be seen as arguing their case in the court of public opinion. While you might score some political points, you destroy the very institutions that should offer respite and ensure the country’s prosperity. Kenya’s future is dependent on the strength of its institutions.