50 Years of Excellence Outstanding Achiever Awards
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Ranking of the nominees and title |
UON@50 : Outstanding Achiever Narrative |
1. Prof. Wangari Maathai (Posthumous) (RANK 1): Pioneer environmental conservationist
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-Awarded the 2004 Noble Peace Prize becoming the first African Woman Nobel Peace Laureate. -Founder Distinguished Chair of Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, an institute established in her honour. -Listed in UNEP’s Global 500 Hall of Fame as one of the 100 heroines of the world. -Elected by Earth Times as one of 100 persons in the world making a difference in the environmental arena. -Honoured by Times Magazine as one of 100 most influential people in the world. -Named by Forbes Magazine as of 100 most powerful women in the world |
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2. Prof. Stephen G. Kiama (in service)(RANK 2): Outstanding service in resource mobilization for research and infrastructure for teaching and learning
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- Conceptualized, designed, and developed the globally unique Wangari Maathai (WMI) Global Institute and became the founding Director of the Institute. -Served as Chairman of deans and prnicipals of Regional Universities Forum for capacity building in Agriculture(RUFORUM) a consotium of 114 Universities. During his chairmanship of the consortuim , the committee mobilsed resources and partners to hold the 6th African Universities Forum/RUFORUM biannual conference in Nairobi in 2018. -Establshed linkages and Collaboration with various organizations including DDAD, Bill and Melinda Gates foundation,Swiss Development Cooperation, RAIN-ASERECA, Global Livestock CRSP, Carnergie Foundation, US state Department etc that have seen him raise cummulative ksh. 1,018 billion to support research , Young Scholars and Infrastructure development. -Provided strategic leadership in the development of Royal Satima Water Plant which has contributed to internal cost saving and revenue enhancement .through sales of internally bottled water. -Visionary leaership that enabled the University to transition its operations to virtual platforms during Covid-19 pandemic.
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3. Prof. Agnes W. Mwang’ombe (in service) (RANK 3): Exemplary fund raising and research infrastructure development
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-Fund raising for building of SEMIs Training and Seed Processing Facility which is used for local and international training. -Recognised and awarded the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS). -Awarded the IMPRESSA excellence in capacity building in CAVS. |
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4. Prof. Paul M. Kimani (in service) (RANK 4): Leadership in breeding of new beans varieties
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-Credited with the development of Kenya’s first climbing bean varieties, which were formally released and gazetted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries. -His pioneering work resulted in the first locally developed high yielding disease resistant onion cultivars, which were formally released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries in 1994. -In 2008 was decorated and awarded the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) for his contribution to agricultural research and science in Kenya. -NACOSTI’s award for best oral paper presentation during the 2015 National Science week. - Recognized as the best research scientist in the Faculty of Agriculture in 2007 - Commercialization of beans varieties in collaboration with Kenya Seed Company. |
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5. Prof. Christopher N. Karue (Retired)(RANK 5): Exemplary fund raising and research infrastructure development
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-Instrumental in lobbying the Government to allocate12,000 acres to Kibwezi University Dryland field Station, which is now open for teaching for all disciplines. -Instrumental in lobbying the Government to renew the 5th World Bank Education Development Loan Phase 5, leading to construction of the first postgraduate hall in Kabete, CAVS and 12 residential staff houses in Loresho. |
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1. Prof. Francis Gichaga (in service) (RANK 1): The Pioneer of Academic Curriculum Model (Module II)
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2. Prof. Chrispus M. Kiamba (in service) (RANK 2): Outstanding Promoter of Good Governance in University Education
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3 Prof. Michael Gatari (in service) (RANK 3): Outstanding Contributor to Scholarship through International Linkages
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4. Prof. George Odera Rading (in service): (RANK 4) Outstanding Scholar in Research collaboration and resource mobilization |
Raised over KES 63 Million in research funds, used for higher degree training, and for purchase of laboratory equipment thus improving the relevance of our training. Encouraged the collaboration between the UoN and several local industries like Sony Sugar, East African Portland Cement Co., Kenya Power and Lighting, and Isuzu (EA). Collaborates with local and international universities like Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, University of Witwatersrand, and University of Southampton amongst others. Fellow of the Kenya National Academy of Science. |
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1. Prof. Shem O. Wandiga (retired) (RANK 1): Distinguished leadership in policy on university governance and founder of the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation
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Provided exemplary leadership in the interpretation of university policies during his service as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (A&F). Founder of Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation. Special recognition for establishment of Climate Change Adaptation Support Programme for Action Research and Capacity Development in Africa (CCAA) (2006-2008).
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2. Prof. Eric O. Odada (in service) (RANK 2): Distinguished service to the African Scientific Community on Global Environmental Change Research and Capacity Building
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- Established the International Decade for the East African Lakes (IDEAL) –Created a research consortium of African, European and North American scientists to investigate African Great Lakes as archives of climatic and environmental dynamics. |
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3. Prof. Richard Mibey (in service) (RANK 3): exemplary service in promotion of access to university education
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Holder of industrial patent and an astute innovator, entrepreneur and astute administrator. Special recognition for massive expansion of education in Kenya giving access to university education. Presided over founding of 15 of the 33 University Colleges in Kenya |
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4. Prof. John O. Kokwaro (posthumous) (RANK 4): Exemplary taxonomist responsible for establishment of the University of Nairobi Herbarium
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-First holder of Doctor of Science (DSc.) of the University of Nairobi -Exemplary performance as teacher, scholar and author and Expanded the University of Nairobi Herbarium. Details to be provided by Principal, CBPS |
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5. Prof. Thomas Odhiambo (Posthumous) (RANK 5): Visionary leader in scientific institutional development in Insect Science in Africa
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Thomas was a special man on a mission to improve Africa’s food sustainability and the wellbeing of its people. He is one of our most deserving laureates . Odhiambo helped to establish three institutes of higher education - the Third World Academy of Sciences in Trieste, Italy, in 1983; The Kenya National Academy of Sciences in Nairobi in 1983; and the African Academy of Sciences, also in Nairobi, in 1985. In 1970, He set up the departments of entomology and agriculture at the University of Nairobi, Founded International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi. Entomologist harnessing science for Africa's poor He founded a children's science publishing house in Kenya, a secondary school near Mombasa, and wrote six books for children. Details to be provided by Principal, CBPS |
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1. Prof. Gerald Kimani |
Prof. Gerald Kimani: For exemplary academic leadership that has yielded transformative milestones in the College.
Ten years after the transfer of the Faculty of Education to Kenyatta University College, Prof. Kimani fought for the reestablishment of the faculty within the College of Adult and Distance Education. The College was then restructured and renamed College of Education and External Studies. During his tenure as Dean, he championed staff development and training for the Faculty, and enhanced and strengthened both undergraduate and postgraduate enrollment. He was also instrumental in the development of physical infrastructure including construction School of Education Complex, CEES Library and student hostels.
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2 Prof. Patrick O.O. Digolo (in service) (RANK 2): A pioneer in Pedagogical training and institutional mentorship
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Prof. Patrick O. O. Digolo: Notable contribution is championing the establishment of the Centre for Pedagogy and Andragogy, which has recently teamed up with the Pedagogical Leadership in Africa (PEDAL) group to expand its activities in the region. The Centre has attracted trainers from several African countries, the USA and other Universities within Kenya. The interaction between our staff and those from other universities makes the University of Nairobi a strong mentor in the region. It also strengthens the Centre’s strategic objective of enhancing the visibility and impact of our University. So far, the Centre has trained 1000 lecturers from the University. |
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3 Prof. Lucy Kibera (in service) (RANK 3): An outstanding educationist and staff mentor
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Prof. Lucy W. Kibera: Is being recognized for championing the introduction of digital technology in the management of student records and teaching and learning in the School of Education. Prof. Kibera has also contributed to revitalizing programme delivery and curriculum instruction in the College. Prof. Kibera has been a key research mentor of both students and staff, and a strategic plan developer and consultant for many institutions in Kenya.
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4 Prof. Hellen Inyega (in service) (RANK 4): outstanding resource mobilizer and champion of curriculum innovation
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Prof. Hellen Inyega: Is being recognized for her efforts in developing early years instruction curriculum in schools. Her focus is on curriculum design and development, capacity building and performance management, project design and implementation. Her fund-raising campaigns and international collaborations have been very successful and have benefited the College in terms of acquisition of digital equipment (USAID Grant), capacity building (In-service teacher training), and collaborative research with other Universities e.g. The Tusome Project with Makerere and Purdue University), as well as contribution to the new Competence Based Curriculum and our Early Childhood Education Programmes. The digital equipment acquired through USAID grant (150 Laptops, 217 Tablets, 4 Projectors, 10 Cam Coders, 10 Scanners and Digital Cameras) has been very useful to the College for curriculum innovation and current pedagogical training. This is in addition to the funds obtained for research and development, as well as support to the Kenya Science Nursery School learners.
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1. Prof Julia A. Ojiambo (Retired) (RANK 1): Distinguished and Transformative Academic Leader to the University and the Nation
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- 1st PhD, in the CHS Department of Community Health - 1st black African Woman to be appointed Lecturer at UON - 1st Female to serve as Member of Cabinet of the GOK - United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Ceres Gold Medal for championing Social Economic Empowerment of Rural Youth and Women (1976) - President’s Awards = Chief of the Order of the Burning Speer (CBS) {2017}; Elder of the Burning Speer (EBS) {2015} and Moran of the Order of the Burning Speer (MBS) {2003} - Pioneered and entrenched the 1st Five Year Strategic Plan for the UON Council |
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2. Prof. George Albert O. Magoha (retired) (RANK 2): Outstanding fundraiser towards infrastructural and research transformation of the University
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- CHS Admn Block, UoN Towers & KMPD Council New Building - Immense Grants & Collaborations Growth - President’s Awards = Chief of the Order of the Burning Speer (CBS) {2016}; Elder of the Burning Speer (EBS) {2006}, and Moran of the Order of the Burning Speer (MBS) {2005} |
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3. Prof. Miriam Khamadi Were (Retired) (RANK 3): Outstanding Champion in establishment of Public Health Programs in the University and the Country
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4. Dr. Joyce O. Musandu (Posthumous) (RANK 4): Renowned for setting a strong foundation for institutionalization of the Nursing profession in Kenya and beyond
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5. Prof. Walter G. Jaoko (In service) (RANK 5): Championed the establishment of the internationally recognized KAVI- Clinical Research Institute
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-Pioneer HIV/AIDS Clinical Research and Vaccine initiatives
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1. Prof. Duncan Okoth-Okombo (Posthumous) (RANK 1): Pioneer of Inclusivity through introduction of Kenya Sign Language in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010
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Officially introduced the Kenyan Sign Language (KSL). -Through collaboration between UoN and Kenyan National Association of the Deaf (KNAD), the Kenyan sign language research project was established in 1991 to conduct research on KSL to confirm if indeed it had the qualities of a language. Principal, CHSS to provide details and justify. |
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2. Prof. Michael Ndurumo (in service) (Rank 2): Breaker of glass ceilings in the Transformation of special needs education on the African Continent
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-Pioneered the development of Kenyan Sign Language now anchored in the Constitution. -The first deaf person in East and Central Africa and the third in Africa, to be awarded a PhD in all fields in 1980.
Principal, CHSS to provide details.
Prof. Ndurumo is a member of international committee of the International Congress on Education of the Deaf (est. 1880); and wrote the first textbook on special education in Africa. Further, he has written a book on history of education for the deaf in Kenya (in press); is chief editor of the African Annals of the Deaf; founding chairman of the Kenya National Association of the Deaf; former commissioner of the Education Commission of Inquiry into the education system in Kenya; member of the University Disability Mainstreaming Committee; peer reviewer at CUE; guided the development of the Master of Psychology, and Master of Education in Special Education courses; and was awarded the Head of State Commendation for his exemplary service to the nation |
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3. Prof. Dorothy McCormick (retired) (Rank 3): Outstanding contribution to resource mobilization for emerging scholars and practitioners in development research
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Oversaw projects which gave scholarships to Masters and PhD students e.g. the Successful African Firms and Institutional Change (SAFIC), which were instrumental in sponsoring the next generation of Kenyan development scholars and practitioners.
Principal, CHSS to provide details.
Apart from SAFIC, Prof. McCormick was also in charge of the following major projects which also sponsored students: The Influence of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Social Capital on Resource Assembly and Firm Performance in Small- and Medium-Sized Firms in East Africa’; Adjusting to Chinese Ascendancy in the Global Clothing Industry; Paratransit Operations and Regulation in Nairobi: Business Strategies, External Linkages, and Regulatory Compliance; Donor Proliferation and Co-ordination: Effects on State Capacity; African Clothing and Footwear Research Network: Innovation, Employment and Poverty Reduction; Research and Technical Support to Renewed Road Safety Measures in Kenya; among others. These multiple projects that Prof. McCormick was in charge of were instrumental in sponsoring the next generation of Kenyan development scholars and practitioners many of whom are in academia today, working with the government as well as local and international development agencies |
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4. Prof. Maria Nzomo (in service) (Rank 4): Gender Champion through Women’s Rights Awareness and National Policy Action
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First female in Kenya to obtain a PhD in Political Science and International relations. Prof. Nzomo has utilized this ground-breaking academic position, to mentor and inspire numerous students, particularly young women to pursue higher education. Nzomo has utilized her intellectual and managerial leadership skills to transform IDIS into a Center of academic excellence. Prof. Nzomo’s high profile public roles and experience gained from international & diplomatic engagements, has helped to transform and enhance UoN & IDIS global image, attract students & strategic partners. She has played a role in translating academic knowledge into transformative Contribution to Rights awareness & national policy action. She has Distinguished Diplomatic/Public Service & other international accomplishments that have significantly contributed to the transformation of IDIS into a leading and premier regional institute of Diplomacy & International Studies. She has received awards for Scientific and Social distinction. |
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CENTRAL |
1. Mr. Bernard M. Waweru (Posthumous) (Rank 1): Outstanding and dedicated service to the Joint Admission Board (forerunner to KUCCPS) and the University Senate
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-Long serving Academic Registrar. He strictly applied academic rules and regulations. -He was in charge of the JAB Secretariat and guided its operations until it was converted to the current Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) -He was extremely organized, meticulous, and calm under pressure and a mentor to many administrators. -Very loyal, honest, respectful and dedicated to his work. |
2. Mr. Brian Ouma (in service) (Rank 2): Outstanding skills capacity in resource mobilization for capital projects
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A seasoned resource mobilizer and skilled architect of strategic collaborations /partnerships and high value capital projects. Some of the notable achievements: 1. The construction of the UoN students hostel/ attendant facilities at a cost of Ksh 4.8B and University of Nairobi Teaching Traning and Research Hospital costing $49.73 (Ksh 4.97B) under the specially permitted procurement procedure. 2. The Engineering and Science Complex at a cost of Ksh 5,387,601,764 billion whose implementation is currently ongoing. The funding partner is the Agence Francaise De Development (AFD). Has been spearheading several collaborations with local and international partners i.e Collaborations with International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO and Creative Technologies, Ford foundation and the Indian High commission among others. He secured donor funding and implemented the development of the first Government of Kenya Retinoblastoma Bestpractice Guidelines with the Ministry of Health in partnership with University of Nairobi, further he secured funding for the establishment and equipping of the e-pathology lab at the school of Deental Sceince that suported digitilization of pathology and allowed realtime consultation betweeen the doctors at the University of Nairobi and the world wide. |
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3. Mrs. Jacinta Were (retired) (Rank 3): outstanding contribution to the expansion, modernization and digitization of University Library services
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-Initiated effort that led to the expansion of the number of libraries from initial 6 to current 14. Was instrumental to the establishment of a digital repository that has resulted to increased openness of the University and high ranking in webometrics. Consequently, the University has the largest digital repository in Africa and the 4th globally. -She initiated and implemented an automation project that saw the Library migrate from traditional service to automated service delivery |
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4. Prof. Christopher M. Gakuu (Rank 4): Pioneer in development of the philosophy and practice of open, distance and e-learning mode of delivery
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5. Prof. Elijah Omwenga (in service) (Rank 5): developer of the first local Learning Management System called WEDUSOFT
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