Law Compelling Governors To Have University Degree Unconstitutional, High Court Declares
The High Court ruled that Section 22 (ii) of the Elections Act, which requires a degree to run for Governor, is unconstitutional.
Judge Anthony Mrima delivered the judgment, which takes effect in the upcoming General Election, and stated that the qualifications for both MCA and Governor should be similar.
“A declaration is hereby issued that pursuant to article 180 sub article 2 as read with section 183 of the constitution, the qualification for the election of a County Governor is similar to the eligibility for election as an MCA,” Mrima ruled.
Section 22(ii) of the Elections Act states that anyone running for president, vice president, county governor, or deputy governor must have a degree recognized in Kenya.
The decision was made in response to a petition filed by Victor Buoga.
The petitioner filed a lawsuit to challenge the statute, claiming that it violates article 180(2) of the constitution by requiring candidates for county governor to have an academic degree.
