By Njeri Irungu,
Kenyatta University, Kiambu County
Friday 19 December.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has added a significant academic milestone to his public service career after graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy and Management from Kenyatta University.
Governor Barasa was conferred with the doctorate during a graduation ceremony held on Thursday, marking the culmination of a demanding academic journey defined by discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice. The achievement reflects his long-standing commitment to knowledge acquisition and evidence-based leadership in public administration.
Speaking after the ceremony, the governor said the milestone was driven by a lifelong pursuit of learning and a desire to better serve the people of Kakamega County and the Republic of Kenya. He noted that advanced scholarship in public policy and management is essential in shaping responsive governance, effective service delivery, and sustainable development.
Quoting the Latin phrase “Cultura mentis, cultura vitae” — meaning “the culture of the mind is the culture of life” — Governor Barasa emphasised the importance of intellectual growth in leadership, saying education strengthens decision-making and public accountability.
The PhD conferral comes as Governor Barasa continues to oversee key development programmes in Kakamega County, including initiatives in health, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment. Observers note that his advanced training in public policy is expected to further enhance policy formulation and implementation at the county level.
Governor Barasa also congratulated his fellow graduates, urging them to apply their knowledge purposefully in service to society.
The achievement places him among a growing number of Kenyan leaders pursuing higher education alongside public service, underscoring the role of academic excellence in strengthening governance and leadership across the country.
