Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has honoured marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge with an honorary degree in Humane Letters.
The conferment took place at the Graduation Ceremony held on December 1, 2023, at the Graduation Square, Juja Main Campus.
JKUAT recognized Kipchoge’s outstanding contributions to the sport of marathon running and his commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian efforts through his foundation.
“Eliud Kipchoge’s remarkable accomplishments extend beyond his unparalleled success in the sporting arena. His dedication to philanthropy and humanitarian causes through his foundation has made a tangible difference in the lives of many,” the Varsity announced.
During the ceremony, Kipchoge, known as one of the greatest marathon runners in history, spoke of the empowering role of education in shaping individuals and enabling them to positively impact society.
“To the graduating class, education, I firmly believe, is the most empowering tool we possess. It not only equips individuals to fend for themselves but also enables them to comprehend and positively impact society,”
Kipchoge’s accolades include being the Olympic marathon champion in 2016 and 2020, as well as holding the world record in the marathon with a time of 2:01:09 set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.
Kipchoge has claimed victory in five of the nine fastest marathons in history. He has also demonstrated his prowess in various championships, securing titles in both junior and senior categories, and showcasing exceptional achievements in road running.
Kipchoge honoraries
In recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments, Kipchoge was appointed Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2019.
He also received the Princess of Asturias Award in the Sports category in 2023. Beyond his athletic achievements, Kipchoge gained global attention by becoming the first person in recorded history to complete a sub-two-hour marathon during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna on October 12, 2019.
