Deputy President William Ruto is not among those who will graduate on Friday.
The PhD student at the University of Nairobi said he did not meet 'standards' and 'requirements' for him to be on the roll today.
In a tweet posted on Thursday, Ruto said, “As a PhD student, I have subjected myself to that standard. I was due to graduate tomorrow but I can't because of requirements.”
As a PhD student, I have subjected myself to that standard. I was due to graduate tomorrow but I can't because of requirements.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) December 1, 2016
He, however, said that he is expected to graduate in December next year.
Ruto added:
I urge all colleges to observe set standards and award certificates to students purely on merit.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) December 1, 2016
The decision comes a month after students defended their theses and Ruto has been working on his PhD since 2012.
Ruto’s thesis focused on the impact of human activities on riparian reserves at Saiwa Swamp, in Trans Nzoia County.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will, however, be awarded an honorary doctorate degree on Friday.
The degree to Uhuru does not reflect any academic excellence.
As Uhuru was laying the foundation stone of the 22-storey University of Nairobi Towers in August 2014, he urged Ruto to complete his studies.
"I am happy to join you at this ceremony, at an institution which many proudly know as their esteemed alma mater! They include my Deputy who I hear is back here to complete his PhD! As president, I’m always encouraging him to work hard and please his professors and supervisors to do well and not to embarrass us,” Uhuru said.
At the University of Nairobi, the board of postgraduate studies says PhD candidates must submit a research proposal showing that they are capable of carrying out original research themselves.
Ruto presented his PhD progress report to the director of School of Biological Sciences Prof Paul Ndegwa in June this year, accompanied by his supervisor Prof Jenesio Kinyamario.
The DP has a Masters of Science Degree in Plant Ecology which he got in 2008.