Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom and Chancellor of Meru University of Science and Technology, has been conferred the degree of Doctor of Business Management (Honoris Causa) by the university during its 12th graduation ceremony.

The recognition by Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) reflects Peter’s unwavering dedication to advancing education, fostering innovation, and driving impactful change both within the university and the wider community.

He was inaugurated as the second Chancellor of MUST in February 2024, marking the beginning of his five-year term.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony on 4 October, Peter commended the university for its remarkable achievements in research, innovation and technology aimed at sustainable development. “As this is the first graduation ceremony I am presiding over as Chancellor, and with the new honour of a doctorate, this is a significant moment for me as it undoubtedly is for all of today’s graduands.”

Significant strides

“I am equally impressed by the significant strides Meru University has made in research, innovation and technology,” Peter added. “This is why, at today’s graduation, we have chosen to celebrate ‘Mainstreaming Research, Innovation, and Technology for Sustainable Development’ as our key theme.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Romanus Odhiambo, congratulated Peter on receiving his honorary doctorate, noting that he had witnessed first-hand the significant impact of the Chancellor’s leadership at Safaricom.

Peter’s support had empowered the university to make meaningful strides in technology, education and community development, the Vice-Chancellor said. He highlighted the recent MUST Innovation and Exhibition Week and the official launch of the Artificial Intelligence Institute and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Lab as key examples of this impact.

Opening doors of opportunity

This year is a special milestone for MUST as the university celebrates the graduation of over 2 900 students – the largest cohort in its history. Behind these impressive numbers are individual stories of hard work, determination and dreams coming true. This growth is a testament to the university’s commitment to opening doors of opportunity for more young people, ensuring that they receive the quality education they deserve.

Established as a fully-fledged university following the award of its charter on 1 March 2013, MUST has continually strived to foster a culture of innovation, research and academic excellence.

Get to know Dr Peter Ndegwa

Dr Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, is the pioneer of M-PESA, the world’s most advanced mobile payment system. With over 25 years of board-level leadership experience across various sectors in Africa and Europe, he has an exemplary track record of success.

In addition to his honorary doctorate, Peter holds an MBA from the London Business School and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.

Before joining Safaricom in April 2020, Peter led Diageo’s operations across 50 countries in Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa. As CEO of Guinness Nigeria and Guinness Ghana Breweries, he achieved double-digit growth, introduced new brands and reshaped the businesses for long-term success.

Shaping long-term success

Peter also spent eight years in senior executive roles at East Africa Breweries Limited, a Diageo subsidiary, serving as Group Chief Finance Officer, Group Strategy Director, Sales Director, and Executive Director on the EABL Board. Under his leadership, EABL more than doubled in value and won the prestigious Most Respected Business Award in East Africa for five consecutive years.

He began his career at PwC, where he spent 11 years. Peter draws much of his inspiration from his early upbringing, his teachers, and Dr Geoffrey Griffin, the late founder of Starehe Boys’ Centre – his alma mater – and, most importantly, his parents, who helped shape his strong values.