Mining Cabinet Secretary nominee Ali Hassan Joho has moved to explain his academic journey that has for long cast doubts on his qualification to hold public offices in Kenya.
During his vetting session in parliament, Joho took the panel through his struggles to attain academic qualifications.
Joho told MPs that his academic journey was interrupted during his childhood as he came from a poor family that could not afford to sustain him in school.
“If you look at my CV, I had to take a break for one year, transiting from Primary to Secondary school. My parents couldn’t afford school fees. I was living in an environment that could not allow me to quickly prosper in matters education,” Joho stated.
“I want Kenyans to know that historical struggles are real. Someone should not imagine that if they come from places of comfort, there may be a level playground for everyone. Some of us come from poor background.”
The former governor explained that he was able to go back to school after an agreement with the principal. The agreement would allow Joho to attend school while working part time to raise his fee.
“I want many Kenyans to listen to me. Do not imagine your hope dies by your previous struggles. We suffered, what gives me pride is that I turned that around. When I found the slightest opportunity for self-improvement, I grabbed it.
Amid doubts on his academic qualifications, a KCSE certificate said to be Joho’s has been making rounds on social media.
In a bid to put the matter to rest, Joho admitted to scoring a poor grade in High School, but later pursued further academic qualifications.
“Yes. I did not do well in my secondary school, I got a D- . No doubt. But I turned that around, today as I sit here, I hold two degrees. I am on my pathway to attain a master’s degree from the most prestigious university in the world. That is achieved by determination,” he told the vetting panel on Sunday.
The Mining CS nominee argued that questions on his academic qualifications emerge eveytime he seeks a leadership opportunity.
“It started when I was running for MP in 2007. That time they even said my kindergarten was fake. When I was running for governor in 2013 – and I hope we can bring this to a permanent closure- It also became one of the biggest campaign issue,” Joho said.
If approved by parliament, Joho would serve as the CS for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime affairs in President William Ruto’s government.
