Kenyatta University to Award Uhuru's Sister Kristina Pratt a Doctorate Degree
Kenyatta University is set to award President Uhuru’s sister Kristina Wambui Pratt a Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) degree in recognition of her commitment and service to people living with disabilities.
The university said Pratt’s dedication to serving people living with disabilities saw her travel all over the country scouting for children with special needs.
“Her inspirational vision and devotion has been a source of courage and transformation to many in Kenya and beyond,” Kenyatta University said in a notice published in local dailies.
Pratt, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Kutztown State University, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology from Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, USA, will be conferred with the degree during KU’s 51st graduation ceremony slated for July 22nd.
The 69-year-old special education teacher joined the Ministry of Education in 1975 where she became the founding Director of the Department of Special Education, playing a major role in the establishment of the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).
“It is for this reason that in 1977, she was appointed UNESCO Ambassador for the Visually Impaired in Africa. In 1979, Mrs. Pratt also received the Kenya Society for the Mentally Handicapped Award for her outstanding contribution to the mentally handicapped in Kenya,” the notice added.
“In 1980, US President Jimmy Carter honored her with United States Presidential Award for her distinguished service to people living with disabilities.”
In 2002, Pratt was appointed as the Chair of the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya, a position she still holds to date. She is credited with driving the fund’s portfolio from about Sh370 million when she took over to over Sh3.5 billion as of 2020.
She also serves as a board member of Kambui School for the Deaf, Jacaranda School for the Mentally Handicapped, Kenya Society for the Blind, and Thika School for the Blind.