Chuka University has denied claims of fast-tracking a PHD saying the candidate met all the requirements.
The statement follows growing pressure after claims emerged that a doctoral candidate completed a PhD in linguistics in under a year, far below the Commission for University Education’s requirement of at least three years, with two-thirds of that period dedicated to thesis research and writing.
The allegations were first made public by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, who questioned how the institution sanctioned such an accelerated academic path.
In response, Chuka University confirmed that the student, Wambugu Rose Waithera was admitted to the institution on 7th June 2022, therefore meeting the required 3 years for a the doctoral achievement.
Chuka University submit that the 3 year requirement is considered from the date of admission, and that the impeachment fell within the timeliness of coursework, thesis and defending the research project.
According to a Chuka University representative, the fomer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached on 8th October 2024, a time frame which is enough for the candidate to have completed her research form the initial application to final defense.
The candidate, Wambugu Rose Waithera, graduated with a thesis examining the impeachment of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua — an event that took place only last October. The tight timeline between the political episode and the conferring of the degree has fuelled suspicion about the thoroughness of the academic process.
Observers warn the case risks eroding trust in postgraduate standards at public universities. Critics are calling for an independent inquiry into how the Senate, Council and senior management approved the award, arguing it signals deeper weaknesses in oversight and governance at the institution.
