World Male Athlete of the Year Eliud Kipchoge has received an honorary doctorate degree from a Kenyan University for his contribution to sports.

Kipchoge received the Honorary Degree of Science from Laikipia University on Friday 6th December, capping a stellar year for the marathon record holder.

The 34-year-old has had a stellar year, having won the London Marathon in April and set a new unofficial marathon record of under 2 hours in October.

"Today I was awarded the Honorary Degree of Science from Laikipia University. I thank the university fraternity for this auspicious award. Thank you," Kipchoge wrote on Twitter.

Laikipia University announced its intent to award the honorary degree to the runner in November.

"Kipchoge has made a tremendous contribution to realm of sports. The Senate specifically recognizes his most recent achievement of becoming the first human to run a sub-two marathon," the institution said.

Kipchoge is expected to defend his title in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, having won marathon gold in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"If selected I will be there," he told Reuters. "It (Tokyo) is at the front of my mind, and I trust and believe that when the time comes I will be on the starting line."