Days after Kaluma Boy, real name Vincent Kagwi Kibe, joined East Africa University on a full scholarship, some Kenyans expressed concerns over the program he was pursuing. Kaluma Boy is pursuing a diploma. The TikToker was warmly received by the institution’s vice chancellor, as Bishop Muthee Kiengei accompanied him for admission. Kaluma, who gained national attention for his heartfelt videos documenting life while caring for his father, who was recovering from a stroke, touched many Kenyans and inspired widespread support online. Why did Kaluma Boy pursue diploma? The university awarded him a full scholarship to pursue a diploma in Business Information Technology. According to the vice chancellor, Kaluma initially expressed interest in studying digital marketing but opted for a diploma program after receiving career guidance.
The vice chancellor also announced that Kaluma would participate in a work-study program, earning stipends while helping promote the university and its academic programs. However, a concerned Kenyan wrote to Cyprian Nyakundi, wondering why Kaluma was pursuing a diploma instead of a degree. “Kiengei announced from the pulpit that Kaluma would be taking a degree, not a diploma,” claimed the concerned netizen. Wanja Nyarari, who was involved in Kaluma Boy’s admission, set the record straight on the matter. According to Wanja, Kaluma’s qualifications did not meet the criteria to qualify for a degree. “He will start with a diploma, then a degree. The East Africa University is efficient in the selection of its students,” she told TUKO.co.ke. Wanja then claimed that some Kenyans were waiting for Kaluma to be enrolled in a degree program so that they could blame the institution. “Whoever asked forgot to say he was doing a degree in marketing, but the VC guided him on a career path and asked him to choose IT, where he will get extra training on drones.” What did Kenyans say about Kaluma Boy’s diploma? Kenyans had this to say about the matter: Dennis Ouru: “You can as well sponsor him to take his degree.” Mark William Amunze: “Asking also as a concerned citizen, do his grades allow him to enrol for a degree?” Enos Githuga: “You don’t do a degree without the required grade.”
By William Osoro
