Kenyatta University to award Uhuru’s sister Kristina Pratt doctorate degree

President Uhuru Kenyatta's sister Kristina Wambui Pratt is set to receive a Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) degree from the Kenyatta University.

The university, in a notice published on the local dailies on July 8, 2022, said the nomination is in recognition of Mrs. Pratt’s commitment and service to people living with disabilities.

“Her dedication to serve people living with disabilities saw her travel all over the country scouting for children with special needs,” read the notice.

“Her inspirational vision and devotion has been a source of courage and transformation to many in Kenya and beyond.”

Mrs. Pratt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Kutztown State University, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology from Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, USA.

She joined the Ministry of Education in 1975 where she became the founding Director of the Department of Special Education, before later playing a major role in the establishment of the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).

The institute was responsible for training teachers from different colleges in special needs education, as well as carrying out research, performing functional assessments, rehabilitation and production of assistive materials for people with special needs.

“It is for this reason that in 1977, she was appointed UNESCO Ambassador for the Visually Impaired in Africa. In 1979, Mrs. Pratt also received the Kenya Society for the Mentally Handicapped Award for her outstanding contribution to the mentally handicapped in Kenya,” stated the notice.

“In 1980, US President Jimmy Carter honoured her with United States Presidential Award for her distinguished service to people living with disabilities.”

The late president Daniel arap Moi in 2002 appointed Mrs. Pratt to the Chair the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya; a position she still holds to date.

She is credited with driving the fund’s financial growth from about Ksh.370 million when she took over to over Ksh.3.5 billion as of 2020.

Mrs. Pratt further serves as a Board member of Kambui School for the Deaf, Jacaranda School for the Mentally Handicapped, Kenya Society for the Blind and Thika School for the Blind.

The Head of State’s elder sister will be conferred with the degree during the institution’s the 51th graduation ceremony set to be held on July 22, 2022 at the main campus.

Kenyatta University has, meanwhile, come under heavy public scrutiny in recent times following a standoff pitting the institutions’ council and Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina against State House.

The tiff, which was brought about by a piece of land that the government has allowed for the construction of the World Health Organisation (WHO) African regional operations and logistics hub, has since seen Prof. Wainaina removed from office.