William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto is a man whose political strategy has shocked many. As Kanya’s first Deputy President (DP), Ruto has been employing different tactics to ensure that he succeeds President Uhuru Kenyatta in the forthcoming general elections. Having been born from a humble background, Ruto attended the normal public schools in Kenya. However, it can be said that he has managed to get where he is now because of sheer hard work. Attaining a Ph.D. in Kenya if you are from a humble background like William Ruto is not a joke. In this article, We are going to look at William Ruto education and political history.
Willaim Ruto’s Education
Ph.D.
Willaim Ruto attained his Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi (UoN) on 21st December 2018. This was the day Ruto added another title, “Doctor” to his name after graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Plant Ecology from UoN.
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Ruto’s graduation with a Ph.D. came six years after he joined the institution in 2021 August. The reason for the delay was, however, due to the strict requirements at the institution for those graduating with Ph.Ds. William Ruto did not make it to the graduation list in 2016 because he did not meet the necessary requirements. Ruto was conferred the title “Doctor” alongside five others whose names were approved by the University’s Senate chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Mbithi.
Willian Ruto’s thesis was titled, ‘Influence of human activities on land-use changes on the environmental quality of riparian ecosystems: A case study of Saiwa Swamp watershed, Western Kenya’. As required by the Commission for University Education, Ruto published his work in two renowned journals; the Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, and the International Journal of Research in Environmental Science.
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Ruto’s thesis was the best in class. As a result, he was offered a lecturing role at the prestigious Harvard University. However, Ruto turned down this opportunity to serve the people of Kenya.
Masters
Wiliam Ruto enrolled for a master’s in science (Plant Ecology) at the University of Nairobi. He graduated in 2011 before enrolling for Ph.D. at the same institution.
Bachelor’s Degree
Ruto is a holder of a BSc (Botany and Zoology) from UoN. He graduated in 1990.
Secondary Education
Date: Unknown
Institution: Kapsabet Boys’ High School
Qualification: Advanced Levels
Date: Unknown
Institution: Wareng Secondary School
Qualification: Ordinary Levels
Primary Education
Date: Unknown
Institution: Kerotet Primary School.
William Ruto’s Political History
Willaim Ruto first entered the political realm in 1997 as the secretary of Youth for KANU (YK 92). The aim of this group was to campaign for the then Kenya’s President, Daniel Arap Moi in the 1992 general election. However, this group was notorious for hooliganism and ethnic violence. It used to dish out a lot of money in campaigns. It was through this group that Ruto learned the tactics of Kenya’s politics.
Member of Parliament (1997-2013)
From YK 92, Ruto went ahead to vie for the MP for Eldoret North Constituency in the 1997 elections. Surprisingly, he beat the incumbent Reuben Chesire who was Moi’s preferred candidate. This showed how strong Ruto was in politics. It was not easy to beat Chesire as he was the then KANU Uasin Gishu branch chairman. Eventually, Ruto gained Moi’s favor and was appointed KANU director of elections.
Minister
- Assistant Minister for Home Affairs in 2002
- Minsiter of Agriculture (2008-2010)
- Minister for Higher Education (2010)
Deputy President (2013-2022)
After the general elections in 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta won the Presidency with Ruto as his deputy. William Ruto has held this position despite the many challenges he faced while in government.
In this article about William Ruto education and political history, we have seen how this man has managed to get where he is now. If you have something to add, please feel free to contact us.
