Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) has defended Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati’s degree credentials.
According to the university, Mr Arati, the ODM Kisii governor aspirant, pursued undergraduate and postgraduate studies, despite claims that he lacks a degree, a requirement for aspiring governors.
According to a letter from the university’s postgraduate studies board in 2019, the MP was a Master of Business Administration student at the time.
Arati graduated in April this year, during the institution’s ninth graduation ceremony.
“The programme will be conducted at Continental College of Business at Postbank House, 12th Floor, Banda Street,” Mr. Arati’s postgraduate admission letter read in part.
Agnes Salome, Nairobi Campus Director, yesterday confirmed that Arati was an alumni.
“Arati pursued an undergraduate programme and also did his Masters at our university,” Dr Salome said.
In 2016, the MP earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (with IT) from the university. His name features in the 2022 and 2016 graduation lists seen by The Standard.
The Standard also validated a research license issued to him by the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation for his Master’s thesis by searching the unique QR code on the licence. His thesis was titled Effects of Marketing Strategy on Performance of Pepsiscola Limited in Kenya for the period ending August 20, 2021.
Arati is among governor aspirants whose academic credentials have been questioned.
Two petitioners have challenged his clearance by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, and a tribunal has been convened to hear the case today.
