IEBC candidate put to task over varsity degrees
A candidate seeking to become a Commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was yesterday put to task over how he obtained a PhD in just six months and from a university whose existence was in doubt.
The panel led by Chairperson Dr Elizabeth Muli wanted to know how Salim Ndemo managed to get a Master’s and a PhD degree within that short time.
Academic papers submitted in his application indicate that he was awarded a Master’s Degree in Business Administration on August 15, 2008, and subsequently a PhD on January 30, 2009.
“I know the kind of effort, time and sweat that goes into preparing and getting a PhD. I am curious to know how you got yours in six months,” Muli said.
As f that was enough, Ndemo also found himself in hot soup when he was tasked to explain how he managed to complete his two post-graduate degrees in such a short time despite working full time at the Public Service Commission (PSC) between 2003 and 2009.
Timetable
But in his response, Ndemo stated that he had a very flexible timetable and was able to do them simultaneously, one after the other.
He explained that he was able to complete his PhD in such a short time as he had a proper grasp on his research topic: “Provisional Administration”since he had already authored a book about it.
The panel also sought clarification on the validity of his PhD stating claims that the university which awarded him the degree was not accredited.
Ndemo said that when he enrolled for the programme, the university was enrolled in Delaware.
He explained that the degrees are notarised (validated) which means the government is aware of its activities even if the university did not comment on its contents.
He further explained that the university had not yet applied for accreditation by then and was not certain of its current accreditation status. He also revealed that he did not have to physically attend the university as it is a cyberspace university.
While talking about his experience, Ndemo revealed that while working as a District Officer, he served as a District Registrar of Persons in West Pokot under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This was when the government had rolled out the mass issuing of national identification cards to men and women in the country above the age of 18.
Another candidate Saeed Khamees Saeed was questioned if he would not militarise the poll agency if given a chance.
Saaeed a retired Kenya Navy Officer officer, defended himself arguing that he would distinguish his military background from the new job and strictly discharge his duties based on the policies of the commission.
