DIG Masengeli seeks High Court intervention over USIU-Africa PhD examination
Masengeli, who is pursuing a PhD in International Relations, says uncertainty over the status of his dissertation examination has put his academic progression at risk despite completing the required stages of his programme.
Nairobi, Kenya – September 15 – Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has petitioned the High Court to compel United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) to complete processing his doctoral studies and consider him for the September graduation. Masengeli, who holds a PhD in International Relations, asserts that the uncertainty surrounding his dissertation examination has jeopardized his academic advancement despite fulfilling all program requirements.
In his petition, filed through attorney Cecil Miller, Masengeli reveals he joined USIU-Africa in September 2021 and advanced through the doctoral program's stages. He defended his dissertation proposal in December 2025, incorporated necessary revisions, obtained Institutional Review Board approval, and submitted his first dissertation draft on June 11, 2026, followed by additional amendments.
Reports from both internal and external examiners were submitted to the university by August 31, yet Masengeli claims the institution has not communicated the examination results or outlined any outstanding requirements for completion. Masengeli wrote to USIU-Africa on August 25 for clarification on his academic status, to which the university responded on September 3, informing him of pending steps.
However, Masengeli argues the response lacks clarity on outstanding requirements or the examination outcome. The senior police officer contends that the lack of transparency risks his academic progression, especially as the September graduation approaches. He requests the court to intervene to preserve his chance for graduation while the PhD dispute is resolved.
Masengeli argues he is not challenging his research quality or seeking an award, but rather clarity and transparency in handling his dissertation examination and remaining administrative steps. Justice David Mburu certified the urgent matter on September 9, allowing it to be heard during the recess. The judge directed the application, petition, and accompanying directions to be served on USIU-Africa by close of business on the same day, granting the university three days to respond.
The case will now be considered as Masengeli seeks clarification on his PhD status and inclusion in the university's September graduation process.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
