Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has disputed the authenticity of an academic certificate presented by Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa, saying he was not a student at the university and was not awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
In a letter dated September 14, 2026, JKUAT Registrar Academic Affairs Dr Aggrey Wanyama told the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) that Barasa’s name does not appear in the university’s student or alumni records.
The university further said it did not hold a graduation ceremony in May 2008, the month indicated on the certificate attributed to Barasa.
“His name doesn’t appear on our alumni records, and JKUAT did not have a graduation in May 2008. His certificate for the Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Programme is therefore ‘NOT GENUINE,’” Wanyama said.
JKUAT also disclosed that questions surrounding Barasa’s academic qualifications had previously been brought to the attention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
“This matter has previously been investigated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), and the same information was communicated to both organisations,” the registrar said.
The university said it had communicated its findings to the two institutions for consideration and any necessary action.
The development comes shortly after Barasa graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration from Murang’a University of Technology.
His doctoral research examined county governments’ branding strategies and their influence on service-delivery satisfaction among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using Bungoma County as a case study.
Barasa had announced in June that he had completed his doctoral studies and would graduate with a PhD.
At the time, he also defended his academic record amid questions over his educational qualifications, saying he held two undergraduate degrees and two master’s degrees.
“I heard someone say that I didn’t go to school. That I stole someone’s certificate. I’m the most learned MP in Bungoma County. I have two undergraduate degrees and two Masters. I completed my PhD, and I will graduate with a doctorate next month,” Barasa said.
Barasa, who is serving his second term as Kimilili MP, is also seeking the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket as he bids to become Bungoma governor in the 2027 General Election.
By Obegi Malack
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