2027 Polls: Nakuru Leaders Differ Over University Degree Rule

By Elijah Cherutich

The electoral commission’s clarification that candidates will not need university degrees to contest the 2027 General Election has split political leaders and aspirants in Nakuru County.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Ann Nderitu said the commission could not enforce the degree requirement under the current legal framework after court decisions struck down the relevant provisions of the Elections Act. The clarification applies to aspirants seeking elective seats, though they must still meet other constitutional and statutory requirements.

Nakuru Town East MP and Senate aspirant David Gikaria welcomed the clarification, saying it protects the political rights of Kenyans who do not have university qualifications. He, however, called for measures to help elected leaders gain the skills needed to do their jobs well.

Gikaria said leaders elected with limited formal education should continue learning after taking office. He recalled furthering his education after he was elected councillor, saying the knowledge later helped him in Parliament.

“However, leaders must ensure that they continuously equip themselves with knowledge so that they can discharge their duties as per the law,” Gikaria said.

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Nakuru County secretary Simon Nasieku also backed the clarification, saying it would give more Kenyans a chance to seek elective office.

Nasieku said the presence of highly educated lawmakers had not stopped corruption, nepotism and misuse of public resources. He argued that dropping the degree requirement could allow capable people to enter leadership, even if social or economic barriers had kept them from higher education.

Educationist and Nakuru Senate aspirant Felisters Malatit opposed the position, warning that it could erode the value placed on education.

Malatit said offices involving legislation, policymaking and management of public resources required solid academic preparation. She also said elected leaders should set an example for young people.

“Leaders are supposed to be role models of the young generation especially in what it means to have quality education. I don’t think opening the window for everyone would create that mindset,” Malatit said.

She called for the court decisions to be reconsidered, arguing that educational qualifications should carry more weight in determining eligibility for public office.

In April 2022, the High Court nullified the Elections Act provision requiring parliamentary candidates to hold university degrees. The court found that it violated political and equality rights, disproportionately affected marginalised groups, and had been enacted without adequate public participation.

Later rulings found that related degree requirements for presidential and gubernatorial candidates could not stand while the parliamentary provision remained invalid. IEBC has said Parliament may set new educational qualifications, but they would have to be introduced through a constitutionally compliant process.