Laikipia University has confirmed through a local newspaper that it will award world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge a Doctorate Degree in Science.
In an advert published on Standard on Wednesday, the university said Kipchoge will receive the award on December 6, 2019.
The award dubbed the 'Honoris Causa,' will be presented to Kipchoge at the Main Campus’ Graduation Square.
Professor Wanjiku Chiuri, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics Research and Student affairs said Kipchoge will be the first sports person to be honored by the university.
“It’s the first time we are awarding a top sports personality an honorary degree. As a university, our niche areas are sports science and management. We want to become the center of excellence in sport and arts as we move into the new curriculum. That’s why we settled on Eliud,” she said as quoted by Standard.
Eliud will be among hundreds of students who will be graduating at the university's 7th graduation ceremony.
Kipchoge has been feted with various awards after his historic run in Vienna, Austria.
He became the first man in the world to run a full marathon in under 2 hours.
Here is the full advert as it appears on Standard:
“Pursuant to Laikipia University Charter, 2013 Section III, (21) (4) (K) on the conferment of Honorary Degrees and upon recommendation of the University Senate and approval thereof by the Laikipia University Council, the University has the pleasure to present Mr. Eliud Kipchoge to Kenyans and the International Community for the award of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) during the 7th Graduation Ceremony to be held on Friday, 6 December, 2019 at the Graduation Square, Main Campus.
The University Senate in making this award noted that Eliud has made tremendous contributions in the realm of sports. The Senate specifically recognises his most recent achievement of becoming the first human in history to run a sub-two hour marathon. In a remarkable feat of endurance, Eliud delivered his ‘moon-landing’ moment by crossing the finish line in a mind-blowing time of 1:59:40 in Vienna, as he delivered on his pledge to prove that “No Human Is Limited”. Further, Eliud has been crowned Male Athlete of The Year for two consecutive years (2018 & 2019)”.