TransAfrica Media managing director Margaret Ireri and Kenya Pipeline Company managing director Charles Tanui. PHOTOS | FILE
What you need to know:
Allure of higher learning sends top corporate leaders to class for self-fulfillment.
The list of CEOs who have gone back to universities for PhD degrees include Martin Mbogo of Tullow Oil Kenya, Jadiah Mwarania (Kenya Re), Maggie Ireri (TransAfrica Media) and Jane Pamela Odhiambo of Sony Sugar.
The increased interest in pursuing doctoral degrees means a majority of chiefs in corporate Kenya will soon add the title ‘Dr’ to their names as a mark of their academic qualifications.
A growing number of Kenyan chief executives are trooping back to class for postgraduate studies, driven by the need to keep updated on emerging leadership and management trends as well as attain self-actualisation.
The business chiefs have signed up for doctorate programmes and master’s degree in business administration (MBA), juggling their cosy corner offices and lecture halls mostly through part-time and online study.
The list of CEOs who have gone back to universities for PhD degrees include Martin Mbogo of Tullow Oil Kenya, Jadiah Mwarania (Kenya Re), Maggie Ireri (TransAfrica Media) and Jane Pamela Odhiambo of Sony Sugar.
Other company bosses in the race to secure PhDs include Charles Tanui of Kenya Pipeline Company and Kenya Airports Authority managing director Lucy Mbugua.
Those currently studying for MBA include Musyoki Muli, managing director of Longhorn Publishers, and Microsoft global head of marketing activation for mobile phones Kenneth Oyolla.
Management experts reckon that the quest for doctorate and MBA degrees in the corner office is not driven by the need for promotions, but for intellectual satisfaction and self-fulfillment.
“It’s the road to self-actualisation; after reaching the apex of their careers, they strive for higher ideals like titles,” said X N Iraki, senior lecturer at University of Nairobi’s School of Business.
“The programmes help business leaders reconnect with current thinking in their functional areas, but more importantly it gives them a chance to understand the younger generation, who make up the biggest chunk of consumers,” said Dr Iraki.
The increased interest in pursuing doctoral degrees means a majority of chiefs in corporate Kenya will soon add the title ‘Dr’ to their names as a mark of their academic qualifications.
They expect to join other CEOs who already hold PhDs including Ben Chumo of Kenya Power, TransCentury chief executive Gachao Kiuna, Edward Odundo, (Retirement Benefits Authority), Geothermal Development Company managing director Silas Simiyu and Kipkurui arap Langat of New KCC.
Mr Mwarania, 49, who is currently pursuing a PhD in strategic management at the University of Nairobi, says modern leadership is demanding and requires one to walk an extra mile to be relevant in the dynamic market.
“The bar has been raised. Gone are the authoritarian days when a leader could impose law and policies without consultation,” said Mr Mwarania who is taking the course through evening classes and hopes to complete his studies next year.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and MBA, both from the UoN as well as several fellowships in professional bodies such as Chartered Insurance Institute of London and Kenya Institute of Management.
Ms Ireri, 38, is undertaking a PhD degree in business administration at the University of Edinburgh through distance learning.
She says her decision to go back to school is both a natural progression and a future investment as a doctoral degree will allow her to work as a lecturer and conduct research.
“The PhD is not for my current business use. The PhD is an investment in the future. When I am 50, I would like to share my knowledge and skills with university students as a lecturer,” said Ms Ireri.
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