By Miraj Guo
September 17, 2026
jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has denied that Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa was a student at the institution or that he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2008.
In a letter dated September 14, 2026, JKUAT Registrar of Academic Affairs Dr Aggrey Wanyama said the university had checked its records and found no record of Barasa as a student or graduate.
“His name doesn’t appear on our alumni records,” Wanyama said in the letter addressed to the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK).
The university also disputed the graduation date indicated on the certificate attributed to Barasa, saying JKUAT did not hold a graduation ceremony in May 2008.
Based on its records, the university said the certificate presented as a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering qualification was “NOT GENUINE.”
JKUAT further said the matter had previously been brought to the attention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK).
According to the university, both institutions had previously received information concerning the status of Barasa’s academic qualifications.
“This matter has previously been investigated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), and the same information was communicated to both organisations,” the registrar said.
The latest development follows a request by COFEK seeking verification of Barasa’s academic credentials.
The university’s response has placed fresh focus on the academic qualifications associated with the Kimilili MP, particularly the engineering degree that has been attributed to him.
JKUAT’s position is that its academic records do not show Barasa as having studied at the university and that the institution did not award him the engineering degree in May 2008.
The development comes amid wider scrutiny of academic credentials held by public officials, with questions over the authenticity and verification of qualifications attracting attention from regulators and the public.
The university has referred the matter to the relevant agencies for consideration and any necessary action.
