Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge awarded Doctorate Degree by JKUAT for outstanding achievements

Eliud Kipchoge, renowned Kenyan marathon champion was this morning honoured with an Honorary Doctorate Degree during the 41st Graduation Ceremony at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in recognition of his exceptional achievements.

The conferred Doctor of Human Letters (L.H.D) represents one of the four honorary doctorate honours granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, without the requirement of attending classes or submitting a thesis.

Addressing the graduating class, Kipchoge emphasised the transformative power of education, stating, "To the graduating class, education, I firmly believe, is the most empowering tool we possess. It not only equips individuals to fend for themselves but also enables them to comprehend and positively impact society."

Expressing gratitude for the honorary degree, Kipchoge considered it both a personal honour and a call to enhance his commitment to the betterment of himself, his nation, and the global community as an alumnus of JKUAT. He shared his inspiration to extend philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting the education of underprivileged children and establishing accessible libraries in remote areas.

To the graduating class, education, I firmly believe, is the most empowering tool we possess. It not only equips individuals to fend for themselves but also enables them to comprehend and positively impact society. ~ Dr. Eliud Kipchoge #JKUAT41stGrad @StandardKenya @EliudKipchoge pic.twitter.com/aQXtmpuRFB

— #JKUAT41stGrad (@DiscoverJKUAT) December 1, 2023

The 2023 graduation ceremony saw 4,775 candidates receive their academic credentials. Among them, 513 attained diploma certificates, 3,674 earned bachelor's degree certificates, 145 received postgraduate diploma certificates, 392 were awarded master's degree certificates and 50 achieved doctoral degrees.

Kipchoge's achievements

In 2019, Marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge made history by completing a marathon in 1:59:50, breaking a world record in Vienna and becoming the first runner to achieve this feat, giving rise to the inspirational mantra 'no human is limited.'

In 2003, Kipchoge attained the world champion title in the 5000-meter race. Subsequently, he clinched a bronze medal in 2004 at the Athens Olympics in Greece and a silver in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics.

Further adding to his achievements, Kipchoge set a new record in 2016 by triumphing in the London Marathon. The same year, he secured a gold medal in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

In 2020, he emerged victorious in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games held in 2021 due to the postponement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond his Olympic success, Kipchoge has garnered numerous accolades, including winning the U20 Cross Country World Championship in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 2003. Additionally, he clinched a gold medal in the 5000-meter event of the 2010 Diamond League and achieved four first-place finishes in the Golden League, three in 5000 meters and one in 3000 meters.

For his exceptional achievements, Kipchoge was honoured as the Athlete of the Year by World Athletics in both 2018 and 2019.

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