Mining CS nominee Hassan Joho defends education credentials during vetting

Cabinet Secretary nominee for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, confronted persistent doubts about his educational background during a tense vetting session before the Committee on Appointments.

Joho, who was the first to appear on the fourth day of the hearings, faced pointed questions from MPs Kimani Ichungwah and Junet Mohamed. Mohamed remarked on the recurring scrutiny of Joho’s education during election periods, while Ichungwah expressed surprise at his English proficiency.

In response, the former Mombasa governor detailed his educational journey and achievements, underscoring his Mombasa roots and schooling at Tom Mboya Primary and Serani Secondary schools.

Joho emphasised his unconventional path, stating, "I want to present myself differently because I started work, then education came later. After finishing secondary school, I ventured into entrepreneurship, setting up a clearing and forwarding company in Mombasa, and engaging in real estate and logistics."

Reflecting on his early political involvement, Joho recounted his grassroots engagement in 2004 and an unsuccessful by-election campaign that taught him valuable lessons. He subsequently became the Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Kisauni Constituency.

"In 2006, I embarked on my journey to acquire my first degree, starting with a bridging course to enable me to join university," Joho continued. "I completed a diploma in 2007 and eventually graduated from Kampala University in 2013. Thereafter, I pursued another degree from Gresta University in Thika and enrolled in the Harvard Kennedy School of Government for a program known as Public Leadership Credentials, a pathway to a mid-career master's degree in public administration."

Joho expressed confidence in his achievements despite the scrutiny. "I would have been surprised if I was not asked any education questions," he said, drawing inspiration from renowned scholar Professor Ali Mazrui.

He continued, "Some of us come from poor backgrounds. If you look at my CV, it took one year to transition from primary to secondary school because my parents could not afford the fees."

Addressing the committee and the public, Joho delivered a motivational message. "I want many Kenyans to listen to me. Do not ever imagine your hopes dying because of your previous struggle. What gives me pride is I turned that around. When I find the slightest opportunity for self-improvement, I grab it."

He candidly admitted his past academic struggles. "Yes, I did not do well in secondary school; I got a D-, no doubt. But I turned that around. Today, I hold two degrees and am on my way to attaining a master's degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. That is achieved by determination."

Joho revealed that he had to contribute to his secondary school costs and that his educational history was scrutinised whenever he explored new possibilities. He described his experiences since 2007 when he first ran for MP. "They claimed at the time that my kindergarten credential was bogus. When I ran for governor in 2013, it was one of the most significant campaign concerns."

He described attempts to discredit his qualifications, including alleged bribery to suspend his degree. "We overcame that," he stated. Joho also highlighted the challenges he faced during President Uhuru Kenyatta's first term. "There were those who felt they might have an opportunity to remove me permanently from the political equation by dealing with my education credentials."

He informed the committee that his academic records were real. "I assure this House that no government organisation, including the Higher Learning Commission, DCI, EACC, or any legal procedure, has not investigated my credentials. I swear before this house that there shall be no more question."

Joho hinted at future aspirations. "If I am approved and succeed in my next vetting, you should see a PhD. Watch this space. If I come back here, God willing, and you approve of me, I will do some real good work to better the lives of Kenyans. You will call me Dr Hassan Joho, His Excellency."