Sakaja's University Degree Was Marked by Controversy in 2022 After It Was Revoked Over Authenticity Concerns

The academic background of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over the past years has attracted public attention, particularly over questions surrounding his university qualifications.

Although Sakaja attended the University of Nairobi, where he studied Actuarial Science, he did not complete the course. Later, he said he had obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management from Team University in Uganda. However, the degree became the subject of a major dispute during the period leading to the 2022 General Election.

Early Education

Sakaja began his education at Aga Khan Primary School before proceeding to Lenana School for his secondary education. While in school, he was known for leadership qualities that would later shape his political career.

After completing high school, he joined the University of Nairobi in 2003 to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science. During his time at the university, he became active in student leadership and was elected chairman of the Students’ Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU).

Despite his active role in student politics, Sakaja did not graduate from the University of Nairobi.

Controversy Over Team University Degree

Ahead of the 2022 elections, Sakaja stated that he had obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management from Team University in Uganda. However, the Commission for University Education (CUE) raised concerns about the authenticity of the degree and later revoked its recognition in June 2022.

The matter attracted significant public debate, with critics questioning whether he met the academic requirements to run for the Nairobi governorship.

Court Clears Sakaja to Run

The issue was eventually taken to court, where the High Court of Kenya dismissed a petition challenging his academic qualifications in July 2022. The ruling allowed Sakaja to remain on the ballot during the election.

He later went on to win the Nairobi governor seat in the 2022 General Election after defeating former Nairobi Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe.

Political Journey

Sakaja’s political involvement began in 2005 when he was still a student leader at the University of Nairobi. In 2007, he joined the presidential campaign team of former President Mwai Kibaki through the youth movement known as “Vijana na Kibaki Lobby.”

His political influence continued to grow when he was appointed chairman of The National Alliance (TNA), the party that helped bring former President Uhuru Kenyatta to power in 2013.

Sakaja later entered Parliament as a nominated Member of Parliament before successfully contesting the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2017 election under the Jubilee Party ticket.

During the 2022 elections, he joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) led by President William Ruto and successfully ran for Nairobi Governor.

Awards and Family

Over the years, Sakaja has received recognition for his leadership, including the African Achievers Award for Change-Maker and the Jacob’s Well Award in 2016.

He is married to Beatrice Sakaja, and the couple has two sons, John and Tangai. His parents are Mzee John G. Sakaja and Mama Emily Ayoti Kubasu.