Nominated Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho addressed longstanding rumors regarding his academic credentials and alleged connections to the drug trade during a session with MPs on Sunday.
The former Mombasa governor has faced scrutiny over his academic qualifications and his involvement in business activities, particularly after his nomination as CS for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. These concerns were amplified by petitions questioning the legitimacy of his educational background and business dealings.
Central to the debate has been how Joho, who reportedly scored a D-minus in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), managed to obtain university degrees. Joho defended his educational journey, expressing pride in overcoming his early academic challenges. “Despite my initial poor performance, I pursued further education and now hold two degrees. I’m also working towards a master’s degree from a prestigious institution,” he said.
Joho also addressed accusations linking him to the drug trade, referencing a report from former minister George Saitoti presented in Parliament years ago. During the vetting process led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Joho clarified his academic path, which began later in life. He detailed his enrollment in a bridging course in 2006, followed by a diploma and subsequent degrees from Kampala University and Gretsa University. Joho is now pursuing a public leadership program at Harvard Kennedy School.
The CS nominee emphasized that these issues have frequently resurfaced during election periods and expressed confidence in his qualifications and integrity. He shared that he financed his own secondary education and had to navigate significant obstacles, including skepticism about his credentials.
Joho criticized the use of these allegations as political tools and highlighted that no government body, including the CUE, DCI, or judicial system, had found evidence supporting the claims against him. He also addressed his performance as governor, asserting that his record speaks for itself.
Joho concluded by underscoring his commitment to transparent and legitimate business practices, reinforcing his stance against the accusations of drug involvement and emphasizing the rigorous scrutiny his academic and professional credentials have undergone.
